{"id":109430,"date":"2025-01-22T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-01-21T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/geelongtimes\/?p=109430"},"modified":"2025-01-16T08:47:59","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T21:47:59","slug":"lock-it-or-lose-it-police-warn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/geelongtimes\/news\/lock-it-or-lose-it-police-warn\/","title":{"rendered":"Lock it or lose it, police warn"},"content":{"rendered":"

VICTORIA Police says it is easy to assume that car theft will not happen to you, but, sadly, it is a trend that is all too common within our region.<\/p>\n

Vehicle owners are being reminded that even at home, it is important to remain vigilant.<\/p>\n

“By incorporating a ‘lock it or lose it’ mindset into your routine, you’re not only protecting your vehicle but also contributing to a safer community,” Senior Constable Dee Kuchenmeister of the Geelong Community Engagement Unit said.<\/p>\n

It may seem like common sense, but simply locking your car can prevent it from becoming a target.<\/p>\n

“Unlocked vehicles are easy targets for thieves who are often looking for quick and easy opportunities,” Senior Constable Kuchenmeister said.<\/p>\n

“A locked car, on the other hand, acts as a deterrent.<\/p>\n

“Thieves are more likely to bypass a vehicle that’s secure, knowing it will take more time and effort to access.”<\/p>\n

To help prevent your becoming a victim of crime, remember to:<\/p>\n

Lock your doors every time you step away from your car, even if just for a moment<\/p>\n

Keep valuables out of sight to avoid drawing unwanted attention, and<\/p>\n

Park in well-lit, secure areas whenever possible.<\/p>\n

Victoria Police also suggested some additional things to consider when securing your car:<\/p>\n

Install an anti-theft system if your car does not already have one<\/p>\n

Use a steering wheel lock for an added layer of protection<\/p>\n

Double-check locks before walking away, especially in busy or high-risk areas<\/p>\n

Avoid hiding keys in your car or on your tyres, and<\/p>\n

Avoid leaving your car running unattended, even if you are just grabbing something quickly.<\/p>\n

In an emergency, if you require immediate police attendance, phone Triple Zero (000).<\/p>\n

For non- emergencies, phone the Police Assistance Line (13 14 44).<\/p>\n

If you see or hear something that does not seem right, Victoria Police encourages people to report what you know by heading to crimestoppersvic.com.au<\/a> or phoning 1800 333 000.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

VICTORIA Police says it is easy to assume that car theft will not happen to you, but, sadly, it is a trend that is all too common within our region. Vehicle owners are being reminded that even at home, it is important to remain vigilant. “By incorporating a ‘lock it or lose it’ mindset into […]<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":142,"featured_media":109523,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-109430","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nLock it or lose it, police warn - Geelong Times<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Victoria Police urges "Lock it or lose it" to prevent car theft. 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