Police vow to catch thieves

By Kelly Yates
POLICE say the hunt is on for thieves who are stealing from motor vehicles parked on residential streets.
Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Gaskin said the recent spate of smash and grabs from motor vehicles in Berwick and Narre Warren are linked.
“These thieves will be caught and apprehended,” he said.
Thieves broke into a car parked in Avebury Drive in Berwick between 3.45am and 3.55am on 1 August.
Police said the thieves smashed the window and stole a GPS unit that was placed in a small storage compartment on the dashboard.
The car alarm was activated during the attack.
Det Sen Sgt Gaskin said the bracket of the GPS unit was still displayed on the windscreen and it probably indicated to the raiders that the car would be a worthwhile target.
“Motorists need to take both the device and holding bracket off the windscreen when they leave their cars,” he said.
Thieves broke into another parked car in Telford Drive, Berwick, between 2.30am on 31 July and 6.45am on 1 August and stole a GPS unit and cash.
Police said the value of stolen goods was $419.
Later that day thieves forced into another car parked along Jean Court in Narre Warren South at 10pm, stealing a laptop valued at $2000.
Police said the victim had left his laptop under the seat.
Det Sen Sgt Gaskin is urging motorists to be aware of where they park and what they leave in their vehicles. He said thieves were popping the locks on cars with a hand made device.
“They are using an item with a mini key on the end. They punch it into the lock and disable it,” he said.
“Most alarms will set off because of the device.”
Police are calling for anyone with information to contact Det Sen Sgt Steve Gaskin at the Narre Warren Police Station on 9705 3111.