Police target theft from cars

By Jade Lawton
THIEVES go Christmas shopping too.
That’s the message from Pakenham Police, who will be targeting thefts from unlocked vehicles in patrols around Cardinia this month.
Uniformed and plain-clothes police will patrol car parks and residential streets, calling owners who have left their car unsecured and deterring thieves.
Last month, 44 items were stolen from parked vehicles around the Shire, up from 36 items in September.
Senior Sergeant Alan McCarthy said the stolen goods included CDs, money, wallets, clothing, handbags and shopping.
“Don’t leave items on display for window shopping thieves,” he said.
Snr Sgt McCarthy said he was shocked by some of the items left on display in unlocked cars.
“We have seen electric guitars, amplifiers, televisions, even a leather jacket. It is staggering what people leave in plain view.
“Criminals want more money for Christmas as well. They are on the lookout for items they can give to someone, use for themselves or sell,” he said.
Snr Sergt McCarthy recommended people avoid leaving valuables in their car, or keep them out of view, and ensure their car is locked. He said a similar operation run last year was successful.
Patrolling police would contact the owners of any vehicles they think may be at risk.
He also asked residents to dial 000 and report any suspicious behaviour around car parks.
“Unsupervised kids loitering in car parks are suspicious. Offenders are often aged 14-20, sometimes even younger,” he said.
While more items had been stolen, car thefts decreased in the last month, with 14 cars stolen across Cardinia in October, down from 24 in September. This was credited to a number of arrests made by police.
Snr Sgt McCarthy said opportunistic thieves had also been targeting handbags left unattended in shopping trolleys.
“Anything people can do to protect their property, the better,” he said.