Plan to cut thefts from cars

By CASEY NEILL

POLICE are turning to motorists for help to cut thefts from cars.
Officers and Neighbourhood Watch members will visit crime trouble spots in Greater Dandenong, Cardinia and Casey during Operation Fast Track, from 10 to 14 February.
Sergeant Melissa Blair said they’d leave leaflets in letter boxes and knock on doors to let residents know how they could prevent thefts.
“What we’re trying to get out there is people have to become responsible for protecting their own belongings,” she said.
“If they leave property inside their car, that’s going to flag to a crook that’s in the area.
“This operation is about getting out there and educating residents so they can contribute to preventing the crime.”
They’ll also offer advice at shopping centres.
Sgt Blair said thefts from vehicles were a “pretty big problem” across the region, and figures for the past month had shown an increase.
She said prevention was the best way to reduce the crime and making people aware was the key.
“Police can only do so much when it comes to getting these crimes sorted out,” she said.
“Half the time there’s no track, there’s no lead on evidence.”