Spike in theft from cars

Acting Senior Sergeant Hayden Fallow urged the public to be more cautious of what they left in their parked cars.

‘Most of these offences occur because people leave items on show in their vehicle where offenders can see them,’ Sgt Fallow said.

Sgt Fallow said a free police-approved dash mat, advising potential criminals that valuables had been removed from the vehicle, were available from Mirrabooka police station.

‘Most burglars do not want to keep your belongings and often steal only things that are portable and easy to dispose of, such as laptops, tablets, cash and handbags,’ he said.

The Mirrabooka sub-district, including the suburbs of Balga, Nollamara, Balcatta and Hamersley, has experienced a 16.7 per cent increase in thefts this year.

Sgt Fallow said police were working on crime prevention initiatives to halt the rise.