ACT Policing is reminding Canberrans to be vigilant and remove items of value from their cars when left unattended following a recent spike in car break-ins.
Officer in Charge of ACT Road Policing, Acting Inspector Ken Williams said police had received numerous reports of vehicles being entered illegally by unknown offenders, particularly high-end, high performance vehicles.
Acting Inspector Williams said a number of these incidents had included offenders smashing the passenger’s side window and rummaging through glove boxes and centre consoles, targeting spare keys, fobs, and other valuables such as wallets, handbags, and mobile phones.
He said simple precautionary measures could decrease the likelihood of a vehicle being broken into.
“Offenders are less likely to break into a vehicle if they can’t see anything worth stealing,” Acting Inspector Williams said.
“Take the time to not only lock your doors and close windows, but make sure you don’t leave valuables in sight,” he said.
“Even if your vehicle is secure, visible items of value such as a wallet, phone, tablet, or even loose change can tempt a thief.
“The simplest way to deter thieves is to not leave valuables, including registration papers and garage remotes, in a vehicle.”
