A RECENT spike in thefts from cars in Kings Park, Mounts Bay Road and Crawley has prompted the first City of Perth multi-lingual warning signs about the threat in the popular tourist and residents’ recreation hotspots.
“With increasing numbers of international tourists from non-English speaking backgrounds, the City has worked closely with WA Police to reduce crime and increase safety in the area,” Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said.
“In addition the City has increased targeted patrols and rangers have liaised with nearby residents to enhance safety.”
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READ NOWThe 45 signs say ‘Beware! Do not leave cash or valuables in your car’ in Mandarin and Japanese.
The spike included an American couple losing $US10,000, passports, a mobile phone, purses and $250 from their car at the Fraser’s restaurant carpark in Kings Park on August 23.
Malaysian tourists lost $1400, 2000 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), purses and mobile phones from their rental car in the park on August 22.
In Crawley, one of the more significant incidents included cash, a Prada handbag, Chanel wallet and identification being taken from two Malaysian tourists’ hire car at the Crawley boatshed on September 24.
Belmont men, aged 30 and 21, are among those to have been charged with thefts, which had reached at least 31 to the start of September.
Wembley Senior Sergeant Pat Kelly said the number of reports indicated anyone visiting a tourist area could be targeted
“They show that the sort of people were mostly people attending the parks and foreshore areas near UWA and Mounts Bay Road while they are away from their vehicles,” Sgt Kelly said.
He and Perth Senior Sergeant Craig Davis worked with the City of Perth to get the signs on the foreshores and in the park.
“The danger of people getting into your parked vehicle is always there, and you must not leave your valuables visible in your car, or better still take them out and with you,” Sgt Davis said.
Report criminal activity to Police on 131 444 or report suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.