Thieves take their opportunity

In the 12 months from November 2014 to October 2015, 6700 cars were broken into, with items ranging from money to high-end electronic devices stolen.

Inspector Rod Petterson, from the South East Metropolitan district office, said officers-in-charge from across the region were keen to encourage people to lock their cars at all times and take all their valuables with them.

"When people leave items in their cars, it is like a magnet to (thieves)," he said.

Insp Petterson said traditional hiding spots in cars, like under seats or in glove boxes were no deterrent for opportunistic thieves who targeted shopping centre carparks, driveways and foreshores.

"Until (thieves) realise people aren't putting things under their seats, this will keep happening," he said.

"We know from reports that things hidden under seats are going missing."

Insp Petterson said the thefts were occurring at all times of the day, particularly in the evenings and early mornings.

"Sometimes people park their cars to do exercise and leave their belongings in their cars, and return to a car (that has been broken into," he said.

Insp Petterson said the inconvenience of repairing smashed windows, cancelling credit cards and cleaning broken glass should motivate people to be more careful.

"A car theft is an inconvenience to people," he said.

There are (tablets) being taken filled with treasured photos lost forever.

We will continue to repeat the message.

"Our proactive patrols have had an impact but people making themselves less vulnerable will have more of an impact."