CRIME PREVENTION TIPS 

CARS TARGETED FOR THEFT'S

Police across the East Metropolitan District are growing concerned about the increasing number of thefts from motor vehicles over the last few months and with the summer season now on us, it’s likely to get worse unless the public takes some sensible steps to protect their property.

It appears that shopping centre, train station and leisure centre car parks are some of the most heavily targeted areas by thieves with GPS systems, mobile phones, small amounts of change and laptop computers being some of their favourite items to steal not to mention newly purchased Christmas presents.

Sergeant Garry Tuffin from the East Metropolitan Crime Prevention Unit said “leaving valuables in plain sight on dashboards, consoles and back seats is an open invitation to thieves to break in and take them. We strongly urge you to keep valuables secured at home, but if this is unavoidable, lock them in your car boot and don’t hide valuables under your car seat.”

Advice and brochures about protecting your car from theft can be obtained by contacting the East Metro Crime Prevention Unit on 92504199

GPS THEFT'S

A burgeoning trade in selling portable GPS’s stolen from motor vehicles has caused concern amongst police in the East Metropolitan Police District.

Sergeant Garry Tuffin from the East Metro Crime Prevention Unit is strongly urging GPS owners to record the serial numbers to aid police in identifying them if they are recovered.

“There are some very simple rules to reduce the chances of having your portable GPS stolen from your car. Don’t leave them attached to your windscreen if the vehicle is unattended. Even the circular suction-cup marks being visible is enough to tell the thief that there is one in the car so they will break in to search for it. Record the serial number to help us identify the owner if it is recovered later”. He said “If you have to use a GPS in your vehicle, plan to remove it and take it with you if you are going to be away from the car. Most are small enough these days that they can be easily fitted into a handbag or coat pocket.”

The Motor Vehicle Crime brochures can be picked up from local police stations or the East Metro Crime Prevention Unit office in Mathoura Street, Midvale.

MOTOR SCOOTER THEFTS

Police have their hands full investigating 24 stealing offences of motor-scooters from homes in the East Metro Police District since the beginning of January 2009.

Sergeant Garry Tuffin from the East Metro Crime Prevention Unit is asking owners to consider wheel locks in addition to the bike’s ignition lock. “The locking system that’s fitted to most scooters is very basic’ He said. “The use of a good quality chain and padlock will act as a deterrent, but better still is the fitting of wheel locks and keeping the scooter secured in a locked garage or shed.”