Cars easy prey

CASEY car owners are playing into the hands of thieves by leaving thousands of dollars worth of items in their vehicles, according to police.
In the past two weeks, thieves in the Narre Warren, Berwick and Hallam areas have hit the jackpot stealing more than $18,000 worth of items from the front and back seats of cars.
The stolen loot included three laptop computers worth $11,000, purses, handbags, briefcases, cameras, power drills and wallets.
Since Tuesday, 9 May, police have received reports of more than 20 thefts from motor cars in the local area and Detective Senior Sergeant Ian Wilcox, of Narre Warren CIU, has urged people to be more vigilant.
Det Sen Sgt Wilcox said the thefts had been occurring day and night, with a majority in residential streets and driveways.
Only two took place at local railway stations and four at shopping centres.
Det Sen Sgt Wilcox said the reason the cars had been broken into was because the items were clearly visible and he urged people to lock their belongings in the boot or take them inside.
“They walk past have a look, smash and grab within seconds,” he said.