LOCAL police are cracking down on thefts from vehicles in a new operation.
Officers from Murdoch, Cockburn, Fremantle and Palmyra police stations will use the operation to combat an increase in vehicle break ins reported across suburbs throughout the Fremantle District.
Murdoch Police detective sergeant Rob Martin said these incidents made up a third of all thefts reported in the district, making it a significant issue that needed addressing.
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READ NOW“This is often an opportunistic offence where offenders are stealing small amounts of property of relatively little value,” he said.
“There is plenty of intelligence indicating the value of removing valuables from your vehicle, however the reality is people still continue to leave their wallets and handbags within sight of thieves scouring the streets for these opportunities.
“It causes significant costs to be incurred by the public and can lead to further offences such as fraud.”
He said they had a successful arrest almost as soon as the operation began.
“Murdoch Police had an immediate result during patrols of South Lake where a 23 year old male was stopped riding his bike,” he said.
“The male was questioned by police and searched, where a number of tools were located including house breaking implements and items that could be used to gain entry into vehicles and he was subsequently charged with three offences.
“A short time later we were involved in another stop, this time of a vehicle.
“A search of the vehicle again located a number of items of interest which could be used to break into cars and the occupant of the vehicle was subsequently arrested for an outstanding warrant.”
Sgt Martin said the easiest preventative measure was for people not to leave valuables in their cars.
“Police need the public to be more vigilant by removing items from their vehicle,” he said.
“Removing the items will assist in reducing the total incidents significantly-it is an opportunistic type offence.”
To report suspicious behaviour call police on 131 444.