Watch on the cars

Casey Mayor Geoff Ablett with SITA State General Manager Kelvin Sargent and Neighbourhood Watch Chairperson Sharon Wallace, holding the $5000 grant from SITA. Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS

By LACHLAN MOORHEAD

NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch Casey has joined the fight to curb thefts from unlocked cars in the region, after an alarming spike.
Members from the Neighbourhood Watch group attended Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre last Saturday to inform shoppers of the high incidence of car thefts in the municipality.
SITA Australia also awarded Neighbourhood Watch Casey with a $5000 grant on the day to assist with the group’s upcoming Safety Family Fun Day on Sunday 26 October at the Cranbourne Racing Park.
There have been 53 thefts from cars recorded in Casey region in the seven days prior to Monday 21 July, more than double the 15 to 20 weekly average.
Thieves are targeting both residential homes and car parks throughout Narre Warren and Cranbourne, according to police.
Neighbourhood Watch Casey Secretary Jennifer Baird said last Saturday’s car theft chat with shoppers was an ongoing initiative organised by Neighbourhood Watch Casey.
“This interaction has always been most beneficial with the community in asking them to be responsible and help with the prevention of crime,” Ms Baird said.
She invited residents to attend the October event, where local businesses will have stalls set up, and police demonstrations and children’s entertainment will also be on offer.
“Through SITA’s Community Grant we are able to host another successful community event that promotes awareness among residents about crime prevention and personal safety,” Ms Baird said.
“We are also taking the opportunity to call for community volunteers, from residents to businesses to help us create further recognition of our organisation in the local community.”
SITA Victoria’s General Manager Kelvin Sargent presented the $5000 grand to Ms Baird, along with Casey councillors Geoff Ablett and Amanda Stapledon.
“SITA, through out SITA Community Grant program, is proud to support the Neighbourhood Watch Casey event to assist in raising the organisation’s profile in the community and heighten awareness around personal home safety,” Ms Sargent said.