Police urge residents to lock up after spike in car theft

Teen criminals are going door to door, testing houses to find one unlocked so they can sneak in, steal your car keys and take your most valuable possession for a joy ride. See the latest figures:

Residents are inviting teenage thugs into their homes to steal their vehicles by leaving their doors unlocked.

Crime figures released by the Darling Downs Police District office show about 67 per cent of homes that were unlawfully entered by thieves in Toowoomba in March were unlocked.

That means 35 of the 52 burglaries reported to police could have been prevented if the occupants locked their doors and windows.

The region’s top cop, Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon, called on the public to do more to keep their homes safe.

“While we accept that as a police service we have an obligation to our community to keep it safe and to reduce crime, equally the community has a responsibility to reduce crime,” he said.

Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon urged residents to lock up. Picture: Nev Madsen.

“With two of the vehicles that were stolen in March, the keys were in the ignition and the vehicles were unlocked and outside of a garage.

“Three cars with keys left in the ignition were running at the time they were stolen.

“It’s a bit of a prompt for someone to steal a car.”

The city has been hit hard by teenage car thieves in the past month with burglaries becoming a nightly occurrence.

Last week offenders crashed three stolen cars in Toowoomba and the surrounding areas on consecutive nights.

Police are quick to apprehend the prowlers and have put 38 before the courts in March, most aged 12-17.

“We are doing our bit to respond, but the community has a critical role as we do in prevention,” Mr Condon said.

“They can prevent these offences by ensuring their properties are secured, their keys are not left in plain view for the offenders to not only break into the premises but also steal their vehicle,” Mr Condon said.

March car thefts

Newtown: 5

Wilsonton Heights: 4

Harristown: 4

East Toowoomba: 3

Toowoomba City: 3

Glenvale: 2

Kearney Springs: 2

Mount Lofty: 2

Rangeville: 2

Wilsonton: 2

Middle Ridge: 1

North Toowoomba: 1

Prince Henry Heights: 1

South Toowoomba: 1

Mount Kynoch: 1