Melton police are urging motorists to heed their advice to lock their cars and keep valuables out of sight.
The plea comes in the wake of alarming Victoria Police crime statistics which reveal theft from motor vehicles is still a concern across the municipality.
The figures show thefts from motor vehicles was up a whopping 21.9 per cent, from 987 between April 2012 and March 2013, to 1203 for the same duration this year. Property crime is also up by 10.1 per cent, from 5618 to 6184.
Inspector Stephen Mutton said he was shocked by the staggering statistics.
“Complacency has made it very easy for thieves to access vehicles and property with a number of instances where vehicles have been left unlocked,” he said.
Recently, work vehicles and trailers have been targeted and large quantities of power tools stolen.
“Number plates are still continuing to be stolen at an alarming rate,” Inspector Mutton
said. “Owners are encouraged to install one-way number plate screws as a preventive measure.”
Inspector Mutton also advised motorists to leave their vehicles in their garage and install steering locks, engine cut-off switches and car alarms.
“Safety committees continue to operate at high-risk community locations, including Woodgrove shopping centre and Melton railway station where police are working with council and other partners to create a safer environment,” he said.
The data also shows total crime in Melton rose by 10.2 per cent, from 8476 to 9339 offences. Drug offences jumped from 389 to 451 – up by 15.9 per cent.
“A number of important initiatives have been implemented and we will continue to work towards reducing crime and improving the public perceptions of safety and satisfaction with our policing services,” Inspector Mutton said.
