Motorists who leave their vehicles unlocked in Sunbury shopping centre car parks and driveways are frustrating police – and driving up the price of insurance.
New figures from the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council reveal that 586 short-term thefts, after which vehicles were recovered, were recorded in Hume during 2014-15 – up from 536 the previous year.
The figure for profit-motivated thefts, where the vehicle was not recovered, increased by three to 183.
Hume police’s crime prevention officer Senior Constable Jacqui Newman said the number of thefts of and from motor vehicles could be slashed if people checked before leaving their cars.
Reminding people that failing to lock a car is an offence, she said police were ‘‘pulling our hair out’’.
‘‘The number of people still not locking their doors or leaving valuables on display is incredible,’’ Senior Constable Newman said.
‘‘People often tell us they locked their doors, but there’s absolutely no evidence of forced entry.
‘‘There’s crooks going along through the night just checking if cars are unlocked, and it’s never long until they find one.’’
Senior Constable Newman said recent undercover operations in Sunbury were having an impact.
‘‘Sunbury’s always been a hotspot, but we’re starting to have some success,’’ she said.
The figures also showed Nissan Pulsars were the top target for short-term thefts in Hume in 2014-15 (30 thefts), ahead of the Holden Commodore VF (16) and Toyota Corolla ZRE (12).
Commodores featured highly on the list for profit-motivated thefts, with five VE-model cars and five VTs stolen last financial year.
Senior Constable Newman said fewer thefts of Nissan Pulsars had been recorded since a letter was sent to all registered owners in Hume.
Drivers were also offered free immobilisers as part of a Hume council program.
Just 16 short-term thefts were recorded in the Macedon Ranges in 2014-15 – down from 28 the previous year. There were also 11 long-term thefts (up from eight).
