Lock it or lose it: Theft from cars on the rise in the Adelaide Hills

At least a dozen cars have been broken into in the Adelaide Hills over the past week.

Hills Fleurieu Police are reminding Adelaide Hills residents to lock their vehicles after an increase in opportunistic theft offences in Bridgewater.

Only a week into the new year, South Australian police have been kept busy following a spike in opportunistic theft from cars in the Adelaide Hills.

Between 8pm on December 30 and 9am on December 31, six unlocked vehicles were entered at Beadnell Crescent, Thomas Grove, Charlton Street and Towers Road in Bridgewater and again in Sydney Road and North Road at Nairne.

Police were also called to Itawara Place, Bridgewater on Friday January 8, after a victim heard the sound of a car door closing around 12.30am.

She saw the figure of a person standing next to the vehicle and then run off.

Further incidents were reported the same day at Railway Terrace and Mount Barker Road, Bridgewater and one on Milan Terrace at Stirling.

A police spokesman said it was paramount residents locked their vehicles to prevent further thefts.

“Thieves will look into vehicles to see what items can be easily stolen,” he said.

“Even a small amount of cash may be the catalyst for becoming a target.

“Ensure you conceal or remove all cash and valuable items from your vehicle.”

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

To further reduce your chances of becoming a victim of theft, please consider the following security tips:

* Lock your vehicle doors and close windows.

* Install an audible alarm.

* At night park your vehicle in a well-lit area or in a garage.

* Ensure all valuables are removed from your vehicle or conceal them in the boot of the vehicle before arriving at your destination.

* Engrave your valuables with your driver’s licence number prefixed with ‘S’ for South Australia.

* Avoid placing bags and wallets on the passenger seat where they could be easily grabbed.