Theft from vehicles a big problem in Fremantle, say police

THEFT from vehicles is one of the biggest crime problems facing Fremantle, according to local police.

Fremantle Senior Sergeant Brad Warburton said the Fremantle area was statistically the fourth highest in the state for the number of thefts from motor vehicles recorded last year.

“Fremantle is currently the highest reported area for this crime type in the northern sector of the South Metro District for 2017,” he said.

Factors include the Fremantle area encapsulating the beach car parks, parklands and a high volume of visitors.

“Generally, cars parked outside residential properties (are most targeted); however of note are street parking as they don’t have private car ports or garages,” Sgt Warburton said.

Fremantle Police are part of the south metropolitan area’s Operation Suris, a three-month call to action aimed at increasing the community’s knowledge on how to avoid becoming a victim.

Sgt Warburton said the overall goal was to reduce the instances of this particular crime happening.

“It is a fast crime that is usually completed in less than 60 seconds,” he said.

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