FREMANTLE police have charged a 30-year-old male for multiple stealing and fraud offences from motor vehicles in a number of beachside carparks.
The man was originally charged with three counts of stealing, three counts of criminal damage and 37 fraud offences.
It is alleged the man attended both Port Beach and Leighton Beach in North Fremantle where he forced entry into vehicles and stole bags containing wallets with identification and bank cards.
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READ NOWEnquires revealed the bank cards were fraudulently used across several locations in Cottesloe and Mosman Park.
He was further charged with stealing from a vehicle and six additional fraud charges in Mosman Park on March 12.
The man has been released on bail with strict conditions.
This follows an incident in January where Fremantle police charged a 25-year-old woman with stealing from a car in White Gum Valley.
Both investigations are part of Operation SURIS which target thieves committing vehicle theft.
Fremantle police investigations manager Phil Gazzone said property continued to be left in locked vehicles.
“Generally thieves break a car window to gain entry during hours of darkness outside,” he said.
“Residential houses followed by beach and open carparks in the Fremantle area are known hot spot locations where the crime occurs.
“This incident is a timely reminder to the community to lock their vehicles and remove property.
“Police will continue to target thieves for this crime type however there is a strong emphasis on encouraging members of the public to report suspicious behaviour and activity to Crime Stoppers.”
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