Police warn drivers in regional Victoria to lock cars following string of thefts
Authorities are urging drivers in regional Victoria to lock their cars after a spike in thefts.
Police in Victoria are asking the public for information – and urging car owners to use extra caution – after a spike in thefts and vehicle break-ins across regional areas.
Police say eight unlocked vehicles were stolen from 1 October 2023 to 11 October 2023 – an additional 17 unlocked cars were broken into with cash and personal belongings stolen.
The suspected offenders are reported to be in their late teens and were last seen wearing puffer jackets, hoodies, dark clothing, and face coverings.
Authorities claim the thieves have targeted unlocked cars along Phyliss Crescent, Woodman Drive, Carloway Drive, and Grandview Drive in McKenzie Hill – in Castlemaine, offenders are reportedly choosing unlocked vehicles around Fletcher Street, Hall Street as well as Scott Court and Cherry Avenue in Campbells Creek.
Detective Senior Constable Joel Peters of the Central Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit – the team investigating the car thefts told Gold Central Victoria “To prevent offending, residents please ensure their vehicles are locked and any valuables are not stored inside [the vehicle].”