Far North residents go to great lengths to protect their cars from rising crime

Fearful Far Northerners have taken to extreme measures to protect their vehicles and homes from theft amid the region’s climbing crime rates. HOW TO SECURE YOUR POSSESSIONS

FEARFUL Far North drivers are taking extreme measures to protect their vehicles and homes from theft amid the region’s soaring crime rates.

Former Cairns resident Dean Stone says after being robbed, he taught himself how to theft-proof his car.

Mr Stone said he removed the battery and engine fuses from his car every night and advised other car owners to learn to do the same.

“Without those, it won’t start,” he said.

“It takes two minutes to pull a fuse and put it back … it has prevented my cars from being stolen.”

Mr Stone’s method was approved by owner of Cairns Car Mechanic Rollie Agcalao who noted removing minor fuses wouldn’t damage the vehicle.

Auto mechanics can also install an easy-to-use connector that Mr Agcalao said acted as an immobiliser, stopping battery supply.

Mr Stone believed homes should be armed with more than two locks, window locks, CCTV cameras and motion sensor alarms.

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“Car thefts are mostly an issue because the opportunity is presented in an easy way to thieves with houses and cars being very easy to access,” he said.

On social media, other residents weighed in with their own tips and tricks to protect their prized possessions.

“I bought GPS tracking. Cost $100 and $10 a month. Hopefully never need it but I do know where my car is and where it’s been,” John Richards wrote.

A Cairns resident who fell victim to theft was Paula Campion who had her Ford Territory SUV stolen from her home while she was sleeping. The vehicle was recovered by police hours after thieves drove the car to a neighbouring suburb and attempted another break-in. Picture: Peter Carruthers

“Maybe if everyone sells their cars as a preventive measure and we all use taxis and buses that can be held under lock and key with security in a compound, we wouldn’t have to worry about unplugging and re-plugging batteries, hiding keys, emptying fuel or removing tyres,” Cindy Eagle wrote.

Residents also turned to professional security systems to curb the statistics according to Moore Solutions owner Craig Moore who noticed a spike in customers seeking home security solutions.

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“I’ve gotten a lot busier over the last 12 to 18 months, business has increased quite a lot since then,” he said.

CCTV and alarms were in demand equally from people who have and haven’t experienced a theft or break in as Mr Moore said it gave them a peace of mind.

“The realistic thing is if someone wants to break in they’re going to do it no matter what, what you want to do is minimise your risk and make your property look less inviting than others,” he said.

“Sensor lights are great, a fence and if you have a dog it’s even better.

“The crime rate in Cairns and FNQ is out of control and if there’s something a person can do to make them feel safe and secure in their own property then they should do whatever they can.”

Originally published as Far North residents go to great lengths to protect their cars from rising crime