Car-theft crusade continues

Police continue to urge residents and members of the public to be more vigilant, following news of further car thefts being reported in Southbank and surrounding areas this month.

According to St Kilda Rd Police Station commander Snr-Sgt Steve Bills, theft of, or theft from, motor vehicles remain the highest crimes in the Southbank area, with incidents reported everyday.

Among recent incidents reported to police included:

• Secure car park at City Rd, Southbank: Unknown offender(s) gained access to vehicle through the sunroof and stole two backpacks;
• Three vehicles in a multi-level car park were broken into: A variety of items were stolen including a white iPad in a pink case and a Tarocash satchel bag containing personal items;
• Boathouse Drive, Melbourne: Unknown offender(s) smashed in the driver side rear window and removed a laptop bag containing a laptop computer and;
• Mona Place, South Yarra: DJ equipment stolen from vehicle.

Snr-Sgt Bills said such crimes were difficult for police and there was a lot the public could do to prevent them from occurring.

“The only way we are ever going to curb this trend is if people give more thought to what they leave exposed in their cars,” he said.

If you have any information regarding the above incidents or would like to report a theft or any suspicious behaviour contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

The Southbank Safety and Security Committee, in partnership with the Southbank Residents Group, has also recently developed a series of new flyers in a bid to raise awareness about theft from apartment complexes and vehicles.

Snr-Sgt Bills said the flyers would be placed in many apartment complexes in Southbank and would be rotated every two weeks.