By Matthew Sims
Crime Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police have launched a new campaign urging those in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay to check their cars are securely locked and valuables are not visible.
Launched on Wednesday, July 20, the ‘You’ve Been Checked’ campaign would involve Crime Stoppers and Victoria Police members checking vehicles at carparks across Footscray, as well as Thomastown, Dandenong, and Geelong.
Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Stella Smith said the initiative would highlight the importance of changing behaviours when it comes to securing vehicles and not leaving valuables on display.
“We will be checking cars and providing safety kits to encourage people to lock and check before leaving their vehicles,” she said.
“In the kit, people will find a QR code, which they can scan to find out how securely they left their car and how to avoid becoming a target for thieves.”
Maribyrnong Inspector Paul Morgan said it was always important to physically check if your car is locked.
“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,” he said.
Insp Morgan said recent Crime Statistics Agency data showed that 45 per cent of the time, there was no visible force when a car is stolen, as cars were often left unlocked or thieves used stolen keys.
“Vehicle theft impacts people’s sense of safety,” he said.
“That’s why we’re so determined to address it.
“Working with Crime Stoppers allows us to bring attention to this issue.”
Ms Smith said the most common items stolen from vehicles included cash, personal documents, car accessories, power tools, mobile phones and laptops.
“Theft of property from motor vehicles can cause considerable financial loss and inconvenience,” she said.
“Theft of your personal documents can also lead to identity theft.”
