Drive-offs hike

By Kelly Yates
POLICE are anticipating a spike in petrol drive-offs in the lead up to Christmas after receiving 11 reports of number plate thefts in Casey over the weekend.
Leading Senior Constable Christopher Blazevic from the Casey Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) told the News that last weekend’s number plate thefts occurred at the Endeavour Hills Shopping Centre and Westfield Fountain Gate car parks, and residential streets in Cranbourne and Narre Warren.
Sen Const Blazevic is urging petrol station owners in the municipality to be aware of the recent rise in number plate thefts, as police declare a zero tolerance with regard to theft of number plates and petrol.
“As the fuel prices go up so too does the amount of petrol drive-offs. They go hand in hand,” he said.
Number plate thefts are a continual issue for police in the City of Casey, according to Sen Const Blazevic.
A Narre Warren man was recently charged with 12 counts of petrol theft.
The 26-year-old, who also had his car seized by police, has been bailed to appear at the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 18 December.
Police are encouraging Casey residents to be pro-active as police try to put a stop to the growing trend of number plate thefts.
“People should put one-way screws on their number plates, park cars in garages and make sure there is sufficient security lighting around vehicles parked on residential streets,” Sen Const Blazevic said.
“If anyone sees people tampering with number plates on a car they should call 000 immediately,” he said. Police are on the hunt for a black VY or VE Holden Commodore sedan, a possible SS model with factory mag wheels and a rear spoiler, which has been involved in five petrol drive-offs within the past four months at petrol stations in Lynbrook, Cranbourne, and Hampton Park.
The value of the petrol thefts ranges from $36 to $97.
Sen Const Blazevic said the car has stolen number plates displayed.
Police have described the driver of the vehicle as a Caucasian man aged in his late 20s, medium build with long black shoulder length hair, wearing black pants and a black jacket.
Anyone with information about any of the recent petrol drive-offs is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.