By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
HOUSING estates and shopping centre car parks across Casey are being targeted in a dramatic rise of thefts from unlocked cars over the last week.
Local police are at odds to understand why people continue to leave their cars unlocked in the municipality after 53 thefts from cars had been recorded in the seven days prior, more than double the 15 to 20 weekly average, with thieves targeting both residential homes and car parks throughout Narre Warren and Cranbourne.
The areas being hit the hardest include Fountain Gate Shopping Centre in Narre Warren, and pockets around Greaves Road and Centre Road in Narre Warren South.
Cranbourne’s Botanic Ridge Estate and houses south of Camms Road towards Sladen Street have also been heavily targeted.
Detective Sergeant Geoff Rumble said the rise in car thefts was alarming, and pointed to a significant number of targeted robberies.
“There are certainly people out there where that is the goal, to go out and target unlocked cars,” he said.
“Then there are other people who are opportunistic when they’re walking home.
“Groups of young kids taking advantage of cars left unlocked on the street.”
Det Sgt Rumble said police were putting a lot of attention into the rapid rise in thefts, but acknowledged offenders who stole from unlocked cars were harder to track than those who were forced to break into locked cars.
“The harder it is for someone to get into the car, the more evidence they leave behind to assist our crime scene officers,” he said.
“When the cars are unlocked, there’s little trace evidence for police to work with.”
Det Sgt Rumble urged people in Casey to ensure their cars were locked, and to keep valuables hidden.
“It’s hard to believe that with theft from motor cars being so prevalent, people haven’t learnt the lesson to keep their car locked and keep valuables out of sight,” he said.
“I fail to understand how people don’t get the message, that’s the disappointing part of it, when people continue to do that.
“We’re also finding now that there’s an increase in flow-on offences from car thefts, including deceptions and the like on credit card and the paywave system.
“If people were more diligent and kept their wallets inside, and didn’t leave them in cars, then none of us would have this problem.”
The police warning comes as Neighbourhood Watch Casey attended Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre on Saturday to inform shoppers of the high incidence of car thefts in the municipality.
SITA Australia also awarded Neighbourhood Watch Casey with a $5000 grant to assist with the group’s upcoming Safety Family Fun Day on Sunday 26 October at the Cranbourne Racing Park.
Neighbourhood Watch Casey Secretary Jennifer Baird said last Saturday’s car theft chat with shoppers was an ongoing initiative organised by Neighbourhood Watch Casey.
“This interaction has always been most beneficial with the community in asking them to be responsible and help with the prevention of crime,” Ms Baird said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
