THIEVES have been targeting the utes of tradies who have lost their jobs because of COVID-19, police say.
A spike of thefts from cars has been recorded across Frankston, Carrum Downs, Seaford, and Langwarrin over the last four weeks.
Acting Detective Sergeant Ryan Collins from the Frankston crime investigation unit said that “given the large volume of tradespeople currently unemployed due to COVID, many people are leaving their vehicles in the driveway or front yard with little to no security.”
“Thieves are targeting tradie’s utes and forcing open lock boxes and stealing the contents of the boxes, in some cases several thousand dollars worth of power tools,” he said. “Obviously the theft of tools can have a devastating impact on a victim’s livelihood at a time when working has never been harder and already under financial stress. The thefts may also not be covered by insurance. It is a timely reminder to secure the tools in a locked garage wherever possible.”
Anyone who has witnessed thefts or who has any information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Frankston Crime Investigation Unit on 9784 5590.