Garage remotes targeted in thefts from cars in Monash

Brazen thieves are targeting expensive cars parked in driveways across Monash, with police urging owners to lock up and remove valuables, especially one crucial item, to avoid more heartache.

Senior Constable Mitch Redford wants people to go to Oakleigh police station and get one-way screws so their licence plates can’t be stolen.

Number plate theft is soaring in Monash with 123 recorded offences in the three months to April.

There has also been a rise in the thefts from motor vehicles — particularly of garage remotes, prompting a warning from police to be more vigilant.

Senior Constable Mitch Redford, from the Monash vehicle crime team, said Mt Waverley and Glen Waverley were the worst-hit suburbs with thieves targeting more expensive cars.

He said thieves were brazen, even breaking into cars parked in the driveway.

“We are probably seeing one or two incidents a day where they are breaking into cars and stealing garage remotes which are accessible,” he said.

“People leave them in their cars — I know the reason they do it, because it’s easy.

“But if they can get inside the garage, a lot of the time they can get inside the house, and from there they can commit burglaries, steal cars and take house keys.

“We are trying to tell people that if they are not parked in the garage, to bring their remotes inside.”

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But with more than 80 per cent of offenders from outside Monash, he thought a lot of the offending was from people passing through.

“Whether that’s because it’s an easy target, or (the areas are) close to get in and out with the Monash Freeway and Princes Highway (Dandenong Rd),” he said.

Many of those stolen number plates were being used to commit other crimes, he said.

“Thirty-one of those stolen number plates have been linked to other crimes, whether it be burglaries or stealing further cars while using those number plates,” he said.

“So not only are those plates stolen … but if they’re not replaced in time, traffic cameras and other offending could lead to the victim having to go through all that stress of having to explain themselves.”

Sen-Constable Redford encouraged all motorists to go to Oakleigh police station to get one-way screws for a gold-coin donation. The screws are provided by Neighbourhood Watch.