By Max Hatzoglou
The number of cars stolen in Melbourne’s west rose five per cent between 2020 and 2021, new Crime Statistics Agency data reveals.
The data shows that Maribyrnong was the west’s hotspot for car thefts, reporting more than 482 car thefts per 100,000 people, a 7.7 per cent increase from 2020.
In comparison Brimbank reported 351.5 thefts per 100,000 people, making it the fifth worst local government area for car thefts in the state.
Melbourne City was the state’s worst, reporting 539.8 thefts per 100,000 people.
Brimbank Inspector Trevor King said the police force were working hard to reduce the number of car thefts in the city.
“This is done by actively targeting car thieves with uniform, transit police and PSOs regularly patrolling known hot spots to detect and deter offending,” Inspector King said,
“Our local detectives are also working hard to investigate offences while monitoring recidivist offenders.
“Car thieves are opportunistic and will generally look for an open window or car door,” he said.
“Thieves have also had to adapt their methods with many now entering homes specifically to steal car keys.
“These offenders want to get in and out of the property as quickly as possible to avoid being caught or confronted.”
Inspector King said people could reduce the risk of their vehicle being stolen by locking their car at all times – even when parking at home in the driveway or garage- and by securing the keys .
Other suggestions included parking in well-lit and secure areas if possible and not leaving valuable items, including tools, in your vehicle.
