SHEPPARTON police are once again urging people to remove valuables and keep their cars locked after a spate of thefts from parked vehicles.
Over a period of seven days in late January, police received reports of 21 thefts from vehicles. Most of the criminal instances were in the Kialla Lakes and Sanctuary Park Estate residential areas, and it is believed several more went unreported.
Theft from motor cars is hitting a green patch in Shepparton, with last year’s June crime statistics revealing a massive 29 percent jump in that crime alone, prompting the deployment of a police mobile CCTV camera trailer to hot spots.
20 of the 21 vehicles stolen from in late January had been left unlocked. The other vehicle had a window ajar, which was forced downward, damaging the window.
Police believe many locked vehicles, parked in streets and driveways, were checked by the offenders before they moved on to find unlocked vehicles.
Two suspects have been identified.
Police are requesting assistance to drive this activity down in Greater Shepparton:
1. Remove valuables from vehicles when parking and secure the vehicle before leaving it unattended – this will be greatly appreciated by your local police
2. If you see any related suspicious activity in residential areas call Triple Zero while the suspects are still in the area
3. Supply any CCTV footage of suspicious activity to police
