New data released by Ambulance Victoria reveals that paramedics attended 1696 call-outs related to children trapped inside vehicles for the year ending August 31, 2017.
In Brimbank, Sunshine North (14 call-outs), Keilor Downs (14) and Taylors Hill (eight) were the hotspots for incidents.
In Victoria, it is against the law to leave children alone in a vehicle, with offenders facing fines of up to $3900 and a six-month jail sentence.
Minister for families and children Jenny Mikakos said the consequence for breaking the law can be fatal.
“Hot summer days can kill, and even on a milder day in the mid-20s, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can easily get to 20 to 30 degrees hotter than outside,” Ms Mikakos said.
Pet owners have also been urged to exercise vigilance.
RSPCA Victoria head of prevention, Sophie Buchanan, said animals should never be left in hot cars, even for a short period of time.
“If anyone does find a pet locked in a vehicle, it is essential they immediately call Victoria Police on triple-0,” Ms Buchanan said.
“Police on duty around the state can respond to an emergency call rapidly and as animals can suffer heat exhaustion and die in just six minutes, time is of the essence.”
