13 unlocked cars raided in Mt Martha, Sorrento and Capel Sound in the space of two days
MOTORISTS are just not getting the message after another spate of thefts from unlocked cars on the Mornington Peninsula as one victim says she lives in fear that they could return.
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MOTORISTS are just not getting the message after another spate of thefts from unlocked cars.
Frustrated police have been left counting the cost after more than a dozen preventable thefts in the space of two days.
Computers, wallets, credit cards, coins and mobile phones were stolen from 13 unlocked cars in Mt Martha, Sorrento and Capel Sound between 5pm on March 18 and 9am on March 20.
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Mornington Peninsula crime investigation unit detective Senior Sergeant Alan Paxton said crooks would take whatever was of value from unlocked cars.
“We’re trying to do our part, we need the community to do theirs as well,” Sen-Sgt Paxton said.
“It takes a second to lock a car. If the car is locked the offenders will move on.”
A Ponyara Rd, Mt Martha victim said she now lives in fear after crooks ransacked their ute and garage while they and their 8-month-old child slept inside.
The thieves broke into the garage in the early hours of March 19 after finding the remote in the unlocked ute, stealing thousands of dollars worth of power tools and coins before fleeing.
She’s now scared to leave the house or stay in the house as she fears they could be targeted again.
“One thing you can never get replaced is peace of mind,” she said.
She said the community needs to be vigilant, lock their cars and not leave valuables in them.
They’ve since installed alarms and are installing CCTV cameras and a bigger fence.
Thefts from unlocked cars continue to be a major problem for police and they joined forces with Mornington Peninsula Leader last month for the ‘Lock it Up’ campaign.
Almost 100 cars were raided during February, with thieves making off with thousands of dollars worth of loot.
Police are pleading with motorists to minimise the risk by securing their vehicles.