Lock up your cars - police plea

Sen-Constable Kate Marjoram and Sen-Constable Jay Harrison check out cars during a routine patrol in a Castlemaine car park. Police have been leaving warning stickers on cars where the doors have been left open or where valuables have been left inside.

Jeff Jones

The latest police statistics show an alarming increase in certain categories of property crime in Macedon Ranges and Mount Alexander shires. 

In particular, there has been a rise in the number of motor vehicles being stolen and a hike in the amount of property being stolen from motor cars. 

The number of cars stolen across the area increased from 69 in 2011 to 80 during the 2012 calendar year representing a 16 per cent increase. 

The trend is even more concerning when it comes to property being stolen from cars with a 21 per cent increase observed, up from 116 to 140. 

Local Area Commander, Inspector Ryan Irwin, said there were a number of simple steps people could take to help police curb the trend. 

"Inadequate security is often a factor in these offences," Inspector Ryan said.

"When reviewing property crimes committed in recent months, it is apparent that complacency is a common factor with many of these offences involving vehicles that had been left unlocked or with valuables left unsecured and in easy reach of thieves. 

"A number of offences involved tools and other valuables being stolen from the rear of utes and trailers."

Inspector Irwin said thieves often pursued soft targets.

"Leaving your car unlocked is making life easy for a thief," he said.

"On a number of occasions vehicles had property stolen while parked in the driveway at home with doors left unlocked. "Unfortunately many people still think 'it wont happen to me' and fail to take adequate security measures. Similarly there is a level of complacency involved when people park at shopping centres and leave vehicles unlocked while attending retail outlets.

"It only takes a matter of seconds to become a victim in these circumstances and we are urging locals to be more vigilant and more security conscious."

Inspector Irwin said people often think that because they are leaving the car for a short period of time there is less need to lock it. "This is not the case," he said. "Unfortunately many people have returned to their unlocked vehicle after an absence of a few minutes only to find that their mobile phone, purse or other valuables have been stolen. People need to be security conscious at all times including when at home or visiting shopping centres." 

As well as always locking unattended vehicles, people should remember not to leave any valuables in sight. 

"Leaving your mobile phone or wallet on the seat or on the dashboard can be like a beacon to a passing thief.

"Always take valuables with you when you leave your car unattended or at least have them secured away out of sight." 

Police are also urging people to report any suspicious behaviour to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.