Unlocked cars are easy prey

By Callan Date
THIEVES went on a crime spree in Berwick last weekend when they gained access to 18 cars within a nine-hour period.
Wallets, sunglasses, purses and a laptop computer were among the items stolen during the crime wave that started at 10pm last Saturday and wound up at 7am the next day.
Police were amazed to find all 18 cars, which were parked in drive-ways, carports and outside houses in the Eden Rise area, were unlocked.
Narre Warren Detective Senior Sergeant Ian Wilcox said the thieves helped themselves to anything in the cars that was easy to steal.
“They just opened up the door on all the cars and rummaged through them,” Sen Sgt Wilcox said.
He said the high number of vehicles that had been left unlocked astounded him.
“With all the messages that are broadcast through the media and crime prevention forums about locking your car, it really does surprise us,” he said.
Sen Sgt Wilcox said the thieves did not focus on any particular make of car – just vehicles that were unlocked.
“We believe they may live around the area and were on foot.
“If they see two cars and one is locked and the other unlocked, they are always going to go for the unlocked car,” Sen Sgt Wilcox said.
He said simply locking the majority of late-model vehicles activated their in-built alarm which provided added security.
Sen Sgt Wilcox appealed for people to be more vigilant in securing their cars and making sure nothing of value was left in sight of any opportunistic thieves.
Anyone who may have seen anything in relation to the crime spree is asked to contact Narre Warren Police on 9705 3111.