Police will saturate the streets of St Albans this week in a bid to reduce a rising number of thefts from cars.
Operation Deadline will begin today and run until the end of the week.
Acting Sergeant Steven Boskovski said police members would talk to local business owners and St Albans residents about ways to prevent becoming a victim of theft.
“There are simple steps everyone can take to help lower the theft in our community,” Acting Sergeant Boskovski said.
“Theft from motor vehicle is one of the most common offences we’re currently dealing with.
“Make sure to take valuables with you when leaving your vehicle and lock it at all times,” he said. “Try your best to park in well lit areas and if you see anything suspicious report it to police.”
In the year to March 30, there were 719 thefts from cars in the St Albans area, up from 594 in the previous year, according to recent Crime Statistics Agency figures.
Across the state, Ballarat had the most reports of thefts from a car with 1074 offences in the year to March, followed by Werribee (954), Dandenong (950), Hoppers Crossing (814) and Frankston (767).
As part of Operation Deadline a police caravan will be set up on Alfrieda Street throughout the week for anyone seeking information from police members.
On Wednesday police will be at Caltex service station, 399 Melton Highway, Taylors Lakes, between 10am and 2pm fitting one-way screws on number plates for free.
