Lock and check to avoid theft

A new initiative from Crime Stoppers and Victoria Police has launched, urging Victorians to lock and check their cars when leaving them at car parks.

The ‘You’ve Been Checked’ campaign encourages car owners to break the habit of leaving vehicles unlocked and valuables on display, aiming to curb high vehicle theft and thefts from motor vehicle offences.

Data from the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) shows 14,881 motor vehicle theft offences were reported state-wide in the year to March 2022, and 47,140 thefts from motor vehicle offences during the same period.

Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive Stella Smith said Crime Stoppers and Victoria Police would be checking vehicles parked across several areas, over the next month.

“We will be checking cars and providing safety kits to encourage people to lock and check before leaving their vehicles. In the kit, people will find a QR code, which they can scan to find out how securely they left their car and how to avoid becoming a target for thieves,” she said.

“The most common property items stolen from vehicles include cash and personal documents, car accessories, power tools, mobile phones, and laptops. Theft of property from motor vehicles can cause considerable financial loss and inconvenience. Theft of your personal documents can also lead to identity theft.”

The CSA’s data shows that in 45 per cent of vehicle thefts, there is no visible force. Leaving vehicles unlocked is a common issue, and occasionally stolen keys are used to steal vehicles.

Crime Stoppers and Victoria Police are also encouraging the public to ensure valuables aren’t left visible in parked cars.

Inspector Paul Morgan from Victoria Police said vehicle theft “impacts people’s sense of safety…that’s why we’re so determined to address it”.

“It does not matter if you have parked at a train station, a shopping centre or at home – the single most important thing you can do to prevent your car from being stolen is to lock it. Lock your car and always physically check it is locked,” Mr Morgan said.

You can share what you know about theft related to motor vehicles with Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au.