Lock-up call

By Lia Bichel
POLICE are urging people to lock their vehicle doors and hide their valuables after several cars were stolen and set alight in Casey.
The most recent case was in Hallam between 24 and 27 of May.
Police said a 1996 white Ford Fairmont sedan was parked outside a car care centre in Rimfire Drive when the fire started.
The owner had the car for two months and was having work done to it.
Police said they did not know what was used to start the fire but damage included melting plastic around the steering wheel and damage to the front door.
This followed a similar incident in Cranbourne a week earlier when a stolen car was found dumped and torched in Cranbourne.
Police said a 1994 Hyundai Excel was stolen from a service road near the Nepean Highway, Frankston, on 18 May.
About 12.15am the next day it was dumped on Stevensons Road and set on fire causing damage estimated at $2500.
On 10 May a car was deliberately set alight and burnt out in Narre Warren.
Police said the silver Holden Commodore SS, parked in a driveway in Avery Court, was set alight about 12.50am.
They said the driver’s door was slightly ajar and an empty 700ml bottle of methylated spirits was found under the car.
Casey CIU Leading Senior Constable Angela Kennett said police believed the people stealing and torching cars were doing it “just for fun”.
She said while police hoped to find the people responsible, owners could take certain precautions to prevent their cars from being next in line.
“When we look at the statistics, (these) cars have been left unlocked in their driveways outside their houses or valuables are being left in the car,” she said.
“This isn’t something new – for years police have been telling people to lock their cars and hide valuables. Some people are still not getting the message.”
Leading Sen Const Kennett urged people who saw suspicious activity to call their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.