Operation Consider and theft from motor vehicles

During the month of August, the Victoria Police State Highway Patrol and Melbourne Highway Patrol combined to launch Operation Consider in response to a surge in illegal and overpowered e-bikes on CBD roads.

Southbank Police regularly receives feedback from residential groups that e-bikes are ridden on footpaths at speed with riders not adhering to the road rules putting pedestrians at risk.

The crackdown included foot, bike, motorcycle, and highway patrols in Southbank and the CBD to enforce compliance. Legal e-bikes must not exceed 25km/h or 250 watts, 200 watts if throttle-activated. Overpowered models are now classed as motorcycles, requiring registration, a licence, and compliance with drug and alcohol laws.

Over four days of enforcement a total of 257 traffic infringement notices were issued for the following offences – unlicensed driving, unregistered motor vehicle, fail to wear approved helmet, use mobile phone, riding on footpaths and failing to obey traffic signals.

Southbank Police are continuing to see vehicles broken into by thieves. The vehicles targeted are parked on the street, in commercial multi-storey carparks and residential tower carparks. The following information can reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of theft from your motor vehicle:

Remove all valuable items
Ensure you remove valuable items from your car before you leave.

• Do not leave any valuables in your vehicles. If you must leave valuables in your car, secure them out of sight in the boot or a locked glove box.
• Do not leave documents in your car – your address may be used to locate your home and break into your car or home later. Documents might be used to steal your identity.
• Do not leave house keys or garage door openers in your car – they may be used in home burglaries.
• Install anti-theft screws on number plates.

Lock all doors and close all windows
Keep your car secure.

• Install a car alarm.
• Lock your car, even when parking at home or leaving your car for a moment.
• Lock your car when parked in a residential building carpark.
• Close all windows, including the sunroof.
• Lock external toolboxes and equipment, if they can’t be removed.

Park in a well-lit and secure area
Ensure you park your car safely.

• Park off the street. A locked garage is best or a driveway if you don’t have a garage.
• Lock your car when parked in a residential building carpark.
• If parked in a driveway, consider the installation of a sensor light and CCTV.
• If you need to park on the street, park in a well-lit area. •