POLICE are scratching their heads over the carelessness of drivers who leave their cars unlocked while parked in the street, or driveways, overnight.
Despite a spike in the number of reported car thefts and thefts from cars, drivers are not heeding the “Lock up and Leave” message. And that’s making it easy for opportunist thieves to steal wallets, mobile phones, computer equipment, and even jewellery, while owners sleep undisturbed.
Last week, police investigated 41 thefts from cars in the Frankston, Seaford and Carrum Downs’ areas – with 17 found to have been left unlocked.
Of these, 16 were allegedly robbed by two youngsters who later found themselves arrested over a spate of house breakings.
A 13-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy have been charged with multiple thefts and bailed to appear at a children’s court at dates to be fixed.
It was reported on 3AW that a Frankston policeman even found himself a victim of an opportunist overnight car break-in, with the thieves bragging of their success in a note left in his car.
Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Fyffe, of Frankston CIU, did not deny the embarrassing theft last week, adding, “Anyone who leaves their car unlocked out in the street overnight is an idiot.”
He said 39 number plates had been stolen in the Frankston area in July.
One-way screws that protect the plates from thieves are available at some police stations or hardware stores.