Police astounded at the number of unlocked cars as crime spree hits Mornington Peninsula
THOUSANDS of dollars worth of valuables have been stolen from more than 60 cars on the Mornington Peninsula this month leaving police astounded at the number of unlocked vehicles.
South East
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THOUSANDS of dollars worth of valuables are being stolen from cars on the Mornington Peninsula because absent-minded owners continue to leave their vehicles unlocked.
More than 60 cars, most of them left open, have been broken into since the start of February.
The easily preventable crime spree has frustrated local police, and the Leader has joined forces with them to urge residents to lock up their cars before they leave.
Mornington Peninsula crime investigation unit detective Senior Sergeant Alan Paxton said hot spots included Crib Point where seven unlocked cars were burgled, Mt Martha with 11 and Dromana with six thefts from unlocked vehicles.
Credit cards, sunglasses, cameras, phones, wallets and numberplates are among the most common items stolen.
In one incident on February 4, two cars owned by the same person, both left unlocked in a Mt Martha driveway, were burgled and thieves got away with more than $100 cash, a wallet containing credit cards and an iPod.
The crook quickly used the cards three times for more than $200 worth of purchases at McDonald’s and a business in Mornington.
Sen-Sgt Paxton described the offending as “opportunistic” and easily avoided by simply locking the vehicle.
“It takes a second to lock a car,” he said. “If the car is locked the offenders will move on.”
He said the inconvenience of making a police report and insurance claim and the time it takes to deal with banks if cards are stolen could be avoided altogether by locking vehicles.
He said removing valuables and parking in well-lit areas at night also helped reduce the risk of being targeted.
“Any valuables should be hidden but locking your car is number one,” Sen-Sgt Paxton said.
“The centre console, under the seat and in the glove box is the first three places people look. They (criminals) are aware people will leave valuables in cars around beach car parks.”
Police are actively investigating all thefts and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.