Police warn on car thefts

By Kelly Yates
THEFTS from motor vehicles are still on the rise in Casey.
Police arrested and charged three boys from Endeavour Hills last Thursday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Gaskin said the boys, two aged 16 years and the other aged 17 years, were charged with eight counts of theft from motor cars.
The incidents occurred at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre and the Narre Warren Railway Station between the 7 April and 1 July.
The boys have been bailed to appear at the Children’s Court on 16 October.
Police are also investigating a series of thefts from motor vehicles at the Merinda Park Railway Station last weekend.
Det Sen Sgt Gaskin said five cars were broken into and the stolen items included three global positioning systems (GPS units), cash, and a CD player.
Police are warning drivers to stop playing into the hands of thieves by leaving valuables in vehicles.
Det Sen Sgt Gaskin said train stations and undercover shopping centre car parks were the main hot spots in Casey.
“Most of the thefts are smash and grabs and it only takes the offender less than a minute to break in and steal an item,” he said.
“Ninety-five per cent of offenders look into the car before they break-in.”