A FRENCH tourist had her iPhone stolen while swimming in front of Carrum Life Saving Club, 4.50pm, Saturday 16 December.
The woman, 29, told lifesavers she was in the water for only 10 minutes. When she returned her Dakine bag containing ID papers, iPhone 7, green iPod, and a small amount of cash, was missing. A man who may be able to help police is described as Caucasian, mid-30s, 177cm tall, with light brown hair. He was last seen in a laneway behind the club.
In a similar incident at Chelsea beach, early afternoon, Friday 15 December, a St Kilda East woman, 18, had her bag containing her iPhone 7 stolen while swimming.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant John Burgess, of Kingston CIU, warns beach-goers to be careful.
“We want you to enjoy your day at the beach, but remember … thieves go to the beach, too,” he said. “Lock your car and remove all valuables from sight.
“Don’t bring unnecessary items onto the beach. Leave them at home or find a discreet place to store them out of view.
“Socks and shoes or under towels are not good hiding places – thieves have worked them out.
“Thieves are opportunistic. They will wait for you to head for the water and will target you while you are not watching.
“Use your spare or non-electronic car key when at the beach and keep it on you at all times. Most cars these days have remote-key entry. If a thief steals your remote they will head for the car park, pressing the key to easily find your car.
“Also, don’t leave personal documents in your car or offenders who break in will learn your home address.”
Anyone with information on these thefts is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.
First published in the Chelsea Mordicalloc Mentone News – 20 December 2017