General News
11 August, 2024
Police warning: unlocked cars targeted
THIEVES have targeted unlocked cars at Dingee and Korong Vale over the last week. Wedderburn’s Sgt Ben Huisman on Tuesday said police were investigating a series of unrelated thefts in the towns. They are reviewing CCTV footage of thieves taking...
THIEVES have targeted unlocked cars at Dingee and Korong Vale over the last week.
Wedderburn’s Sgt Ben Huisman on Tuesday said police were investigating a series of unrelated thefts in the towns.
They are reviewing CCTV footage of thieves taking a mower from Dingee Bowling Club overnight last Thursday.
And thieves also stole a vehicle in the town overnight Friday and attempted to break into vehicles parked at a block of flats.
Adam Bish, owner of the Dingee store, said he had also noticed an unlocked gate and tyre marks at a holiday property in the main street.
“I noticed the gate had been opened in a different way to how the owners would do that, contacted the owners and closed the gate ... nothing looks to have been taken there,” he said.
There was also a weekend report of thieves breaking into a shipping container near Dingee.
Police are also reviewing CCTV footage of attempted burglaries at Korong Vale at the weekend.
Sgt Huisman said the footage showed thieves opening unlocked cars.
“Car thieves may be either opportunistic or professional. In either case stolen vehicles may be used to commit further offences and be damaged, destroyed or never recovered,” police said.
“Most car thefts occur in or around private residences, so it is important to take steps to protect your car even when it is parked in a garage, driveway or street.
“Never leave your keys in your car, don’t put your name and address on any keys, use a mobile phone number, and keep spare car keys in a secure place at home or at work.”
Sgt Huisman said valuables should also not be left in cars.
People with information on the Korong Vale incidents can contact Senior Constable Rebecca Carmichael at Wedderburn police.
People with information or CCTV on the Dingee and Korong Vale incidents can also contact Crime Stoppers confidentially on 1800 333 000.