Narre Warren police Sergeant Rob Madeley wants GPS owners to be more protective of their property.– Callan Date
THIEVES are continuing to locate and steal global positioning systems (GPS) at a rapid rate in the City of Casey.
Police continue to be frustrated by the high level of crime and are pleading with GPS owners to be more attentive in storing their devices.
Latest crime figures reveal that 13 GPS were stolen throughout Casey in a seven-day period during February.
Eight thefts were in Narre Warren, three in Cranbourne and two in Berwick.
A police media spokeswoman said each crime happened in a residential area between 7pm and 5am on a weekday.
“Offenders are smashing into vehicles via drivers’ side windows or through unlocked doors, with all vehicle types being targeted,” she said.
“In addition, a further 35 vehicles were broken into within the Casey Response Zone during the same week.”
Casey CIU Detective Sergeant Garry Kear said GPS owners needed to do only a few simple things to ensure the safety of their property.
“Motorists need to take both the device and holding bracket off the windscreen when they leave their cars,” he said.
Owners are also asked to record their GPS serial number.
Casey Response Unit (CRU) is coordinating the response to the thefts.
CRU Acting Sergeant Justin Cornford said two men had already been charged over various GPS thefts.
A 25-year-old Cranbourne man has been charged with 20 counts of theft from motor vehicles. The incidents allegedly occurred around the Narre Warren area.
An 18-year-old Narre Warren South man has also been charged with handling stolen goods.
Both men have been bailed to appear before the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
