Crime Stoppers has encouraged Victorians to break bad habits formed during Covid lockdown, with a clear message to ‘Lock it or Lose it.’
The organisation has partnered with Victoria Police to encourage everyone to practice good safety habits in a new campaign to prevent theft.
The ‘Breaking Bad Habits’ campaign was launched on Wednesday 3 March, and asks everyone to be more vigilant when leaving their cars, homes and bicycles.
With up to 75 percent of Victoria’s workers now permitted to return to the office, this could be the first time in 12 months that their homes will be empty.
‘Breaking Bad Habits’ encourages people to pay attention to their security habits especially when leaving their homes, parking their cars at the train station or bicycles at parking racks.
Chief executive of Crime Stoppers Victoria, Stella Smith, said not locking up our homes, cars and bicycles presents criminals with an easy opportunity.
“It would be nice to live in a world where we don’t have to lock anything, but the reality is quite different, and we do need to protect ourselves and our property,” she said.
“At Crime Stoppers we have seen countless CCTV images of thieves using credit cards they have stolen from parked cars.
“Don’t wait until your wallet is stolen from the ‘hiding place’ in your car. Always take the wallet with you.”
Ms Smith said the best way to overcome a bad habit is to replace it with a good one.
“Take your wallet with you instead of hiding it in your car and always lock up your bicycle on a parking rack in a secure, visible area,” she suggested.
She added that sharing information with Crime Stoppers is also an important habit to have.
“If you see suspicious activity in your community, let Crime Stoppers know by calling us on 1800 333 000 or by submitting an online report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.”
