KINGSTON detectives are investigating a spate of overnight thefts from parked cars last week.
About $460 was stolen from the centre console of a Ford sedan parked in the driveway of a house in Morris St, Parkdale, overnight Friday 29 September. Police said the car was unlocked.
A small amount of cash and personal items were stolen from a Jeep parked outside a house in Legana Ct, Patterson Lakes, overnight Tuesday 26 September, and a silver Giant-brand bike valued at $1000 was stolen from the garage of a house in Hazelwood Cl, Dingley, overnight Friday 22 September.
Detective Sergeant Paul Toogood, of Kingston CIU, advises residents to park vehicles off the street, preferably in a driveway, garage or staff car park.
If parking in the street find a well-lit area and do not leave any valuables in view, he advised.
“What you think is worthless may entice a thief to break into your vehicle. If there is no other option, lock them in the boot, preferably before you get to your destination, or take them with you.
“Do not leave your keys in the ignition; lock the car when paying for fuel, close all windows and lock up before leaving the car.
“Another handy hint is to wipe away suction marks left by a GPS and don’t leave paperwork in the vehicle that can identify where you live: the thief could work out you are not at home. Personal information could also be used to steal your identity.
Also, write your licence number on your key tag – not your personal address or car’s registration number, and don’t hide spare car keys anywhere in the vehicle.”
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 4 October 2017
