A stolen credit card was used in a shopping spree in Melbourne’s north-west last month.
Officers from the Melton vehicle crime reduction team have been told the card was among items stolen from two cars broken into in Taylors Hill some time between 10pm on November 8 and 2pm the next day.
The cars were parked in a Drummoyne Terrace driveway at the time of the thefts.
The card was used to purchase items in various stores at Watergardens Town Centre and around Werribee on November 9. Police have released images of a man they believe may be able to help with their inquiries.
Victoria Police statistics reveal there were more than 3600 reported thefts from cars across Brimbank and Melton in the 12 months to March – 2408 in Brimbank and 1203 in Melton.
Brimbank police are cracking down on thefts from motor vehicles in the lead-up to Christmas with operations under way in shopping centre and train station carparks.
Police will also doorknock homes and businesses to warn about the risks involved in leaving cars unlocked and valuables inside.
Police Inspector Chris Gilbert said opportunistic thieves were taking advantage of people leaving bags, wallets, GPS units and other valuables in their cars in plain sight.
“It’s easily the most frustrating crime that we deal with,” he said. “People are effectively inviting thieves into their cars.
Anyone with information on the credit card theft is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
