Victorians warned to stay alert for car thieves over Christmas holidays
Victorians are being warned to be on high alert for car thieves over the Christmas holidays, as it emerges a fifth of all car-related crime takes place from December to January. See the top 10 suburbs for car theft in Victoria.
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Victorians are being warned to be on extra-sharp lookout for car thieves over the Christmas holidays.
An insurance company says a fifth of all car-related crime occurs in December-January.
And more than half of all thefts take place when the vehicle is parked at home.
Suncorp says its claims analysis shows Preston, Craigieburn and Epping are the Melbourne suburbs in which car thieves are most active.
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Victorians made 3416 car-theft claims with the insurer in 2017 alone. Many of the vehicles were stolen from homes while unlocked.
Suncorp spokeswoman Ashleigh Paterson said: “A number of people leave their cars unlocked or their windows down because they’re parked on their property, assuming it will be safe.
“But thieves are also aware of this, and will walk on to the property to check for unsecured cars. Similarly, it can be tempting to leave windows on cars and homes open in warmer weather, which can become an easy target for burglars looking for vulnerable homes they can easily enter to take car keys from night stands, handbags, and key hooks,” she said.
Ms Paterson said it was vital that car owners remained on guard over the summer holiday period, when “they are more relaxed, and can become complacent”.
Suncorp said that in Victoria, it received 529 reports of vehicle thefts between December 2017 and January 2018 — more such claims than were made in any other state.
Ms Paterson said simple steps could help people keep their cars safe and secure.
“It’s about making vehicles less vulnerable and less appealing to opportunistic thieves, by removing any temptation.
“When shopping, hide valuables like coins and cash, music devices, phones, handbags, luggage or shopping from full view,” Ms Paterson said.
“Place what you can’t take with you under seats and in car boots to keep them from view.
“When leaving your car unattended, park in high foot-traffic areas to deter opportunistic thieves,” she said.
“Furthermore, if you’re going away these holidays, it’s a good idea to ask a neighbour or friend to keep an eye on your property and clear your mailbox while you’re gone.”