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Lock them up: police advice after spate of vehicle thefts

LODDON police have called for prevention and viligance as would-be thieves are making local towns their crime destination.
Bridgewater’s Leading Senior Constable Mick Balazs said a spate of motor car thefts in the past six months have been “by offenders identified as coming up from the Bendigo area”.
And Wedderburn police are investigating the theft of a farm tractor used to free a vehicle bogged in a paddock west of town at the weekend and a utility and golf buggy at Wedderburn Junction.
The tractor engine was left running and it later crashed into a tree. Owner Kevin Lockhart said it appeared the tractor had gone in circles before hitting the tree, spinning wheels stripping tyres.
“We are investigating and have a person of interest for the tractor theft,” said Sgt Ben Huisman.
Senior Constable Balazs said: “Two nights ago we have had offenders visit Bridgewater overnight and conducted a series of thefts from motor cars ... the common theme is that all victim’s cars were either unlocked or had keys in the vehicle,” Senior Constable Balazs said on Tuesday.
“Police are appealing  for drivers to ensure that they lock their vehicles at night or when unattended and never leave keys in the vehicle.
“I often say to people how would you feel if your vehicle that has been stolen was involved in a road fatality.
“Likewise we have seen on occasions offenders enter an unlocked property and steal keys which were readily and easily located and then the vehicle stolen.  
“It’s great that we feel secure in our homes and area but sadly times have changed and this practice is becoming very common particularly in more populated areas such as Melbourne suburbs and Bendigo. Unfortunately with our close proximity  to Bendigo, we are becoming more frequently targeted,” Senior Constable Balazs said.

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