Senior Constable Gabriel Hernan and Constable Caroline Gillespie are partBy Nathan Johnston
A RECENT spike in the rate of thefts from cars in the Springvale and Keysborough areas has prompted a tough new response from local police.
Crime scene officers have offered their expertise and technology to help track down the culprits, who have targeted vehicles parked in shopping centres.
Senior Detective Wayne Stokes from the Springvale CIU said the crime scene officers worked closely with detectives and were the first to arrive at the scene of serious property crimes.
“They provide intensive forensic support and pass on information to the detectives,” he said.
“The crime scene officers have been operating in the Greater Dandenong area for the past 14 months and in that time there has been a dramatic reduction in property crimes.
“We want to keep that trend going down, and we need members of the public to help.
“If people see any suspicious behaviour they should call 000 immediately, or if they have any information about stolen goods they should contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Sen Det Stokes also urged motorists to keep valuable items left in vehicles out of sight.
“One of the incidents was a report of a theft of laptop computers from the front seat of a car,” he said.
“People in and around the Keysborough and Springvale areas must remember to keep anything of value concealed or take it with them if their cars are parked on the street.”
