With motor vehicle theft offences on the rise in Victoria, Crime Stoppers and Victoria Police are urging Victorians to lock and check their cars to deter criminal behaviour.
Crime Statistics Agency data shows 14,881 motor vehicle theft offences were reported state-wide in the year to March 2022. There were 47,140 thefts from motor vehicle offences during the same period.
A new initiative launching today, ‘You’ve Been Checked’ aims to remind vehicle owners to secure their cars and make sure valuables aren’t visible.
Victoria Police members will be checking cars in some Melbourne locations and providing information packs to motorists about safely securing their vehicles.
Vehicles being left unlocked is a common issue with Crime Statistics Agency’s figures showing 45 per cent of the time there is no visible force when a car is stolen.
Crime Stoppers and Victoria Police are highlighting the importance of changing behaviours when it comes to securing your vehicles and not leaving valuables on display.
It only takes a second to lock your car, but it is a lengthy process to replace your phone, ID, credit cards and car, itself.
“The most common property items stolen from vehicles include cash and personal documents, car accessories, power tools, mobile phones, and laptops. Theft of property from motor vehicles can cause considerable financial loss and inconvenience. Theft of your personal documents can also lead to identity theft,” Crime Stoppers CEO Stella Smith.
“We want Victorians to always remember to lock and check their vehicles.”
Inspector Paul Morgan from Victoria Police said lock it up no matter where you are.
“It does not matter if you have parked at a train station, a shopping centre or at home – the single most important thing you can do to prevent your car from being stolen is to lock it. Lock your car and always physically check it is locked.”
Inspector Morgan also stated vehicle theft impacts people’s sense of safety.
“That’s why we’re so determined to address it. Working with Crime Stoppers allows us to bring attention to this issue,” he said.
