Lock up, that’s the key: police

By Melissa Grant
POLICE are urging residents to lock their vehicles and secure valuables after 50 thefts from motor vehicles were recorded in Cardinia last month.
Senior Sergeant Alan McCarthy said it was important for motorists to minimise the opportunity for thefts to occur, especially with summer and the festive season fast approaching.
“We don’t want our thefts from motor vehicles to climb,” he said.
“If we don’t give offenders the opportunity to offend it makes them offend less.
“Thieves go Christmas shopping, too; the difference is they don’t pay.”
Yesterday, The News accompanied Sen Sgt McCarthy and his colleague Acting Senior Sergeant Graham Higginbotham as they checked cars parked along two residential streets in Pakenham.
They inspected a total of 20 vehicles and discovered that six were either unlocked, had keys left in the ignition or contained valuables visible to people passing by.
“That’s 30 per cent that in some way were not secure or asking to be broken into,” Acting Sen Sgt Higginbotham said.
Both officers said the statistics were alarming considering how long it took for someone to break into or steal a vehicle.
Sen Sgt McCarthy said mobile phones, CDs, wallets and cash were the most common items stolen and in most cases were visible from outside the vehicle.
He said number plate thefts were also increasing as the price of petrol continued to rise and offenders sought ways to avoid paying for petrol or fines.
Sen Sgt McCarthy said the warmer weather attracted more offenders and he urged residents to be wary of strange people walking their streets.
“Offenders often park their car … and operate in the next street over,” he said.
Acting Sen Sgt Higginbotham said thefts from motor vehicles tended to rise during the festive season and he urged people not to leave presents on the back seat or in the boot.
“Don’t leave your shopping in the car.
“Take it out and secure it,” he said.
“There’s nothing worse than children missing out on Christmas presents because they’ve been stolen.”
Acting Sen Sgt Higginbotham urged residents to call 000 immediately if they witnessed any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood.