Police are frustrated that motorists in Melton continue to ignore warnings to lock up their vehicles.
Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Jenks, of the Melton criminal investigation unit, reminded drivers to lock up, not leave any valuables behind and park in safe areas.
“We’ve sent this message out many times before but want to highlight, once again, the importance of ensuring cars are locked,” he said.
“The number [of thefts] are occurring because the public isn’t taking interest in it, and it’s really frustrating.” Detective Senior Sergeant Jenks said more and more thieves were walking neighbourhoods trying all door handles for unlocked vehicles.
“Unfortunately, they frequently find them,” he said.
Theft from motor vehicles is the most common crime in Melton.
But Detective Senior Sergeant Jenks said offenders also looked for garage door remotes in the hope of getting access to garages and homes.
“There have been a number of instances in both Melton and Caroline Springs where burglaries and car thefts have been committed by offenders who steal a remote control from an unlocked vehicle and then use it to enter the premises.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Jenks said offenders sometimes found credit cards in cars.
“Or they might find loose change – anything they can get their hands on. Too often it’s things like iPads, phones and keys to other premises.”
He said every car was a target, and he warned motorists to be vigilant.
“All cars are being targeted, it doesn’t matter what make or model.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Jenks said although some vehicles were forcefully broken into, other thefts were opportunistic because the vehicles were not properly secured.
He said police had made some arrests over the recent spate of thefts from vehicles.
“We’re doing our best.
“We have a dedicated team of a sergeant and four detectives who do nothing else but investigate every vehicle break-in or theft of a car.”
