Thieves target bikes, trailers

By MARA PATTISON-SOWDEN
BRAZEN thieves have been rolling away across the valley on stolen motorbikes.
People are being told to keep a watchful eye on their property and keep bikes, trailors and other valuable items locked up.
After the Mail reported at least six thefts of motorbikes and trailers in the Badger Creek and Healesville areas last week and two in Warburton the week before, more victims in the Upper Yarra have come forward.
One Wesburn resident said after speaking with people in her area, she’s counted at least 12 motorbike thefts across the valley this month including three from her own property worth $17,000 altogether.
Police have confirmed there has been a spike in motorbike thefts and charges have been laid in some cases.
But they said it was also up to residents to keep their property safe and watch for suspicious loiterers.
Kristen Tatham was in the lounge room of her Wesburn property on Sunday 19 August when her bikes were wheeled from the family shed.
“I was home alone with three children,” she said.
“A had a witness tell me he saw three bikes being wheeled out about 4pm.”
She said after posting photos of the stolen bikes on Facebook, several friends of friends had come forward saying they’ve had similar thefts.
“I don’t think people realise how bad the situation is,” she said.
“That after just a few days, I’ve found out how many bikes have been stolen in the valley.
“Two in East Warburton, a few in Wesburn and another one in the Junction area.”
Sergeant Wayne Williams said during August they have had several thefts reported including the theft of a trailer from Auburn Road in Healesville and another trailer stolen from Badger Creek Road.
He said there was also a trail bike stolen from Lowes Road and another three motor bikes stolen from an address in Chalet Road, Badgers Creek.
Earlier this month, Senior Constable Don Trice said they’d had thefts from properties in East Warburton and Warburton reported.
He said bikes worth between $7000 and $11,000 had been stolen along with a trailor and other items.
Sen Const Trice said a 24-year-old man had been charged after one of the missing bikes was found on a Yellingbo property.
“Warburton police would like to remind residents that even though there is a low level of crime in the Yarra Valley compared to the rest of Victoria, they need to ensure their property and possessions are stored securely,” he said.
Sergeant Williams echoed the sentiment.
“It is vitally important that everyone in the area take steps to ensure that their trailers and motor bikes are well secured,” he said.
“Any person seeing suspicious activity at night involving trail bikes needs to phone Triple-zero straight away.”
To report matters after they’ve happened, contact the local station on 5962 4422 for Healesville, 5967 1104 for Yarra Junction or 5966 2006 for Warburton police.