Brimbank police are warning of a new trick that has caused thousands of dollars to be stolen from people leaving ATMs and banks across the city.
Senior Constable Amanda Cunningham, of the Sunshine Crime Investigation Unit, said offenders were watching banks and ATMs across Brimbank, following people to their cars then distracting them to steal cash and other valuables.
“People are being told as they get into their vehicles that something’s wrong with their tyres or with the vehicle,” she said.
“As they get out to check, the offender steals any cash left sitting there. They’re creating a distraction.”
Senior Constable Cunningham said police knew of incidents at Brimbank Central Shopping Centre in Deer Park, Alfreida Street in St Albans, and Hampshire Road, Sunshine, in May and June.
She said thousands of dollars had been stolen.
“If someone approaches you and you’re going to get out of the car, lock the car. Otherwise, just drive off and check the car somewhere else.”
The news comes after a Star Weekly report revealed about 20 per cent of all thefts from cars in Brimbank were from unlocked vehicles.
Crime prevention officer Matthew Mudie said many other cars were broken into simply because items were left visible. Tradesmen have also been put on alert following a recent spike in the theft of trailers and tools.
