By CASEY NEILL
POLICE will send letters to motorists caught leaving their vehicles unlocked, to tackle a spike in thefts.
They launched Operation Secure All Valuables and Equipment (SAVE) at Dandenong Railway Station last week – at the same time as thefts from cars skyrocketed in Noble Park and Dandenong, particularly in Jessen Crescent.
Greater Dandenong CIU Acting Detective Sergeant Luke Kirton urged people to report suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers, remove valuable items from their vehicles – including loose change – and ensure their doors were locked.
“We’ve had a higher number than normal in fairly concentrated area,” he said.
“Keep your car off the road to reduce the risk as well.”
Under Operation SAVE, PSOs and transit officers across Casey, Greater Dandenong and Cardinia will forward unsecured vehicles’ registration details to Leading Senior Constable Annemarie Logan, who’ll produce a letter to the registered owner.
It will warn them that it’s an offence to leave a car unlocked or the keys in the ignition, and it attracts a $144 fine.
“We’re negotiating with council by-laws officers,” Lead Sen Const Logan said.
“They’re wandering around looking at cars all day. They’re an extra set of eyes.”
She distributed almost 2800 pamphlets at SAVE’s 8 May launch with help from Neighbourhood Watch and other community members.
They also discovered 34 vehicles unsecured or with valuables left in plain sight.
Lead Sen Const Logan said that the vehicle involved was unlocked in 25 per cent of reported thefts from cars.
“We get calls about guys walking through car parks checking door handles,” she said.
“One theft from a motor vehicle can lead to dozens of other offences.
“It’s a ripple effect.”
She said stolen credit cards and number plates could be used in petrol drive-offs, burglaries and fraud.
She urged motorists to get one-way number plate screws from their local Neighbourhood Watch group, and ensure their windows were up, their doors were locked and no valuables were visible.
“We’re trying to be pro-active. We’re trying to encourage people to look after their own assets,” she said.
