Auckland Council's transport arm says thieves targeting the city's parking machines have cost ratepayers about $100,000 in damage.
Inspector Vaughn Graham says the culprits are targeting parking machines in broad daylight and could be dressing up as maintenance men.
More than 40 machines have been damaged in the city centre and nearby suburbs such as Parnell and Remuera since November.
Mr Graham is asking people who spot suspicious behaviour in car parks to record or film what is happening using their mobile phone if it is safe to do so, and contact police.
Auckland Transport chief operating officer Greg Edmonds said the thieves know what they are doing and have got the right tools to break them open.
He said the loss of cash from the parking machines is low compared to the cost of repairing them.
Mr Edmonds said ratepayers are covering the costs, but doesn't think parking fees will have to be increased.
Anyone with information about who is responsible or about large volumes of coins being converted to paper money should contact police on 09 302 6949, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
