South Metropolitan Community Engagement co-ordinator Paul Trimble said too many people were under the impression that it ‘won’t happen to me’, but that was not the case.
‘They need to realise that these types of crimes are opportunistic and if given the opportunity, offenders are more than happy to make them an easy target,’ he said.
He said people needed to be vigilant about not leaving valuables in vehicles, regardless of whether it is at the beach, shopping centre or overnight on the driveway.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW‘These types of stealing offences increase greatly when offenders can look through your windows and see valuables you have left in the vehicle,’ he said.
‘Offenders sometimes watch vehicles in car parks from a distance and see where the occupants hide their valuables.
‘Just because you put items under a towel, seat or even in the boot it doesn’t mean you won’t be targeted, so leave valuables secured at home and if it is an option, get an alarm for your vehicle.
‘If you park your vehicle outside your home overnight ensure the area is covered by a sensor light that will activate when anyone approaches your vehicle as offenders like to work under the cover of darkness.’
To report suspicious behaviour, call police on 131 444.