Warning after break-ins at Southside, Jones Hill

Police and the victim of a car-break in have spoken out after a series of similar crimes in the past week at Gympie.

Car break-ins and attempted thefts over the past week have Gympie residents on alert.

It comes after Craig Jones took to Facebook in a local Gympie community group asking members if anybody else had their car broken into.

Several commenters responded claiming they had similar experiences.

Southside resident Bridgette Cummings told the Gympie Times she was forced to contact the police on Thursday morning after realising someone had broken in and attempted to steal her car.

“I got in my car the next morning to go for a drive and my key wouldn’t go in, then I realised my steering wheel was locked,” she said.

The car also smelt strongly of cigarette smoke, which was unusual as Ms Cummings didn’t smoke.

“Someone has tried to jimmy my ignition, but I have a newer car so it has mobiliser so it wasn’t going anywhere,” she said.

Ms Cummings immediately contacted the police and a forensic team examined her car.

The forensic team found a cigarette butt inside the vehicle but couldn’t get a fingerprint.

Ms Cumming's vehicle after the investigation with the forensic team.

“I don’t know how long they were in there if they had the time to finish a whole cigarette,” she said.

The police told Ms Cummings it was strange thieves had attempted to hijack a newer model.

“I’m triple locking my car from now on,” she said.

Another Echelon resident, Alisha Newman, also took to Facebook, writing only hours earlier: “Anyone in Jones Hill Echelon area broken into last night?”

Acting Officer-in-Charge at the Gympie Police Station, Rod Venn, provided some advice on measures locals could take to prevent these type of break-ins from occurring.

“Park in a locked garage or a secure parking area if you can but if it has to be parked on the street, aim for an area that’s well lit,” he said.

He also recommended making sure vehicles were locked up.

“They target insecure vehicles. Occasionally they break a window but we don’t see a lot of that,” he said.

If you’re in an emergency, call 000 or contact Policelink for non-urgent matters on 131 444.