The top cop at Scarborough police station is pleading with the public to take extra care by locking their vehicles in the lead up to Christmas and during summer.
Senior Sergeant Haydn Farrow, officer in charge of Scarborough police station, told PerthNow there had been a recent increase in the number of vehicles being broken into across the policing subdistrict.
The subdistrict covers a wide area which will undoubtedly be popular over the Christmas period, such as Scarborough foreshore, Trigg, Osborne Park, Innaloo, Doubleview and the ever-growing Karrinyup Shopping Centre.
The Scarborough policing subdistrict falls under the Mirrabooka district, which recorded 243 stealing offences from a motor vehicle in September.
The highest recorded in 2023 was in January with 364 stealing offences from a motor vehicle, which was the most recorded since February 2020.
LISTEN to the new podcast
Court in the Act
Inside the courtroom with Tim Clarke.
Officers will be bracing themselves again for an influx brought on by the warmer weather.
Sen. Sgt Farrow said offences in the warmer months often occurred when people left their car unattended and the windows open.
He said the theft of Christmas gifts or personal items such as bank cards and other personal information could cause significant stress.
Sen. Sgt Farrow said while tourism hot-spots would have a lot of activity and potential car break-ins, the quieter areas would be just as vulnerable.
“It doesn’t matter where your vehicle is parked,” he said.
“it could be on a quiet residential street or a busy car park. If you leave valuables on show or leave your vehicle insecure, an opportunistic thief will take advantage of the situation.
“Remember to always look, lock before you leave your vehicle.
“Christmas is a time for families to relax and celebrate the festive season.
“By following these simple steps, you can make sure the holidays are memorable for all the right reasons.”
Sen. Sgt Farrow advice to guard property included:
- Always park in a safe place, keep your vehicles in your pocket or bag.
- When parking at home, if you have a garage — use it.
- Don’t leave valuable items in your car (wallet, money, handbag, phone, laptop, or tablets).
- Don’t leave loose coins or cash in the centre console.
- Don’t leave tools in the back of work vehicles — lock and secure them away or remove them at the end of the day.
- If you are out Christmas shopping, don’t leave bags on show. Place them in a covered boot space.
- Always look, lock before you leave your vehicle. Double-check to ensure nothing is left on show.
- Swap your number plate screws for anti-theft screws which reduces the risk of thieves taking license plates.