Commuter Mike Devlin and Casey councillor Lorraine Wreford both want extra security at Casey’s train stations. 19784 Picture: Meagan Rogers.By Callan Date
NOTHING is safe at Berwick train station if you ask Mike Devlin.
The daily commuter is frustrated and angry after his vehicle was broken into for the third time in five months while parked at the station’s car park.
Thieves siphoned petrol from his tank on two separate occasions earlier this year and his back registration plate was stolen in May.
Police later alerted him after the plate had been used during a petrol drive-off theft.
The Narre Warren South resident wants train operator Connex to do more to secure the car park and make sure thieves don’t have a free run at any vehicle in the area.
“Connex rang about a month ago and sympathised with me and that was about it,” he said.
“They said that you park at your own risk and it (car park) wasn’t even their property.”
Mr Devlin has also urged other people using any of the five train stations across the City of Casey to be extra vigilant when it comes to protecting their car.
“They stole near enough the whole tank (of petrol). I have put a locking petrol cap on now.”
Mr Devlin, who works in Melbourne’s CBD, said the price of petrol and road tolls made it too expensive to drive to work each day.
“It is not an option. It is so expensive to drive in, so this is the reason I catch the train.”
Connex spokesman John Rees said the company worked in conjunction with police to help make train station car parks as secure as possible.
Mr Rees said as the cost of petrol increased, it was wise for motorists to obtain petrol caps that were lockable.
“Basically, it is a public awareness issue,” he said.
“People need to ensure that their vehicle is locked at all times and that they keep valuables out of sight.”
Casey councillor Lorraine Wreford is supporting Mr Devlin in his push to get security upgraded in Casey’s train station car parks.
“I believe there is a lot more (theft) going on than what is being reported,” she said.
Mr Rees suggested motorists visit www.carsafe.com.au for advice on how to best secure their vehicles.
