Police are urging motorists against leaving valuable belongings in cars, saying they attend up to a dozen break-ins in car parks at Melton and Caroline Springs train stations every week.
“It’s happening especially where valuables are left exposed.
GPS devices, a good pair of sunnies and laptops seem to be the favourites,’’ Melton’s Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Jenks said.
‘‘Another issue is tradies’ tools left in the back of vehicles. We’re having a really bad run of it at the moment.’’
Senior Detective Jenks said that while protective services officers patrolled the areas every afternoon and evening, they were not always present.
He said a team of four police officers was being sent to patrol the problem areas.
“In many instances, number plates are also being stolen and later placed on the offender’s car to commit petrol thefts from service stations,” he said.
“A small amount are being used to commit serious crime, like armed robberies.”
Senior Detective Jenks said that while break-ins were common in public areas, parked cars in residential streets and driveways were also being targeted.
Figures released last week show Melton was fourth-highest in Melbourne’s outer west when it came to claims for malicious damage to vehicles, costing car owners $76,412.
RACV general insurance manager Paul Northey said motorists should take preventive steps to deter thieves and vandals.
“If you must park on the street, try and park in a well-lit location with people frequently passing by,’’ he said.
Bacchus Marsh police Inspector Brendon McCrory said most car thefts occurred because vehicles hadn’t been locked.
Latest police figures show the number of thefts from vehicles in Moorabool jumped from to 286 in the year to September, up from 216 and an increase of more than 32 per cent.
“The vast majority aren’t getting broken into; they’re unlocked,” he said.
