Top spot for car criminals

CASEY recorded the highest number of cars being damaged in malicious acts in Melbourne’s south-east, according to recent statistics.
RACV Insurance says data reveals that 91 vehicles were damaged in the region in the past financial year, with 27 of those being in Casey.
The claims cost a total of $55,048.
Glen Eira Council also had 27 claims, there were 23 in Greater Dandenong and 14 in Cardinia.
RACV general manager insurance Paul Northey said malicious damage to vehicles caused significant inconvenience to motorists and cost millions of dollars to repair.
“Last year, RACV Insurance paid out more than $3.44 million to members whose vehicles had suffered malicious damage,” he said.
Mr Northey said that the public could take a few simple steps to protect their vehicles which would save them time and money.
“With the average malicious damage claim costing $2894, motorists should ensure they have adequate insurance cover to avoid a hefty vehicle repair bill,” he said.
“Of course, prevention is better than cure.
“One of the best preventative steps motorists can take to protect their vehicle is to park it off the street and where possible, in a secure garage.
“If you must park on the street, try and park in a well-lit location with people frequently passing by as this can act as a deterrent to opportunistic thieves and vandals.”
Mr Northey said people who park their car in a garage should make sure they locked their garage door.
“It may sound straightforward, but ensuring the garage is locked is one of the simplest steps you can take to protect your car from malicious damage,” he said.