Manningham police warn of spike in car break-ins across Bulleen, Park Orchards and Lower Templestowe

Police in Melbourne’s east are warning residents to lock their cars and secure their valuables following a surge in break-ins this week. Find out if your suburb is a hotspot.

Car thefts are on the rise in parts of Manningham.

Car break-ins have surged in Manningham despite a general decrease in other crimes during the coronavirus crisis.

Thirteen cars — including eight in Bulleen — were broken into in three days across the eastern suburbs, while a teenager was caught for a separate spree involving five cars and two homes in Park Orchards.

Warrandyte police arrested an 18-year-old Park Orchards man on May 2 after he allegedly broke into the homes and cars in Baringa Rd and McEwan Rd between 4am and 8am.

Manningham detective Senior Sergeant Rohan Courtis some doors were unlocked and the teen took beer and loose coins, and left an empty bottle in a driveway.

He said the teen, who was out on bail, was remanded to appear on charges including burglary, theft from cars and criminal damage at the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on May 12.

Sen-Sgt Courtis said police had noticed individuals roaming neighbourhoods and targeting strings of cars by going up to them and pulling on door handles.

“These are opportunist crimes, both homes had unlocked doors and the cars were parked in driveways,” he said.

Police said some of the cars broken into had unlocked doors and valuables inside.

“It is a timely reminder to be vigilant around locking our vehicles, not leaving property in vehicles and locking our homes.”

Warrandyte police Sgt Stewart Henderson urged people to make sure their cars and valuables were secured.

“Usually they are left unlocked and people help themselves,” he said.
“Because people are at home at the moment, they’re less likely to break into people’s houses, so they (burglars) break into cars.

“So we still ask people to be vigilant, even though they might think there are less people around.”

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Meanwhile, police received 13 reports of cars being broken into in Manningham between May 2 and 4.

Sen-Sgt Courtis said eight incidents occurred in Bulleen, in streets including Pilbra Mews, Lachlan Grange and Rocklea Rd.

There were also break-ins in Lower Templestowe, Templestowe, Doncaster and at The Pines Shopping Centre carpark in Doncaster East.

Anyone with information is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.