Inner-west residents are being warned to take greater precautions around their cars and bikes following a spate of thefts across the region.
Thieves have been targeting cars and bicycles left at railway stations as well as vehicles belonging to tradies.
Maribyrnong police’s Acting Inspector Michelle Young said the thefts were prompting police to reinforce the “look, lock and leave” message.
“It’s about being mindful whenever you’re leaving your vehicle. Are you leaving anything that’s going to draw attention?”
Victoria Police statistics show there were 1015 reported thefts from motor vehicles in Maribyrnong in the 12 months to September.
Police are frustrated to find that in many instances thieves are targeting unlocked cars or those containing valuables that have been left in plain sight.
Acting Inspector Young said apart from the thefts from cars left at railway stations, utes were being broken into with tradies often having thousands of dollars worth of tools stolen.
The thefts are occurring in driveways overnight as well as from construction sites where tools may be left unsecured.
Drivers and tradies are being urged to lock their vehicles and take the time to remove all valuable items.
Police are also receiving reports of bicycle thieves using bolt cutters to cut through bike chains, often around railway stations where they know there’s little chance of the owner catching them in the act.
Acting Inspector Young recommends that people who are leaving their bikes at railway stations consider locking them in the Parkiteer cages located at many of the stations.
