“Lock up your cars”: Police issue warning after surge in break-ins

AutoExec Summary
Victoria Police has issued a stern warning to residents in Melbourne’s southwest to lock their cars as the number of thieves targeting vehicles rockets. New data from the force has revealed that 63 per cent of car break-ins across the area last month were the result of “opportunistic thieves” targeting unlocked vehicles. A significant portion of cars forcefully broken into around Wyndham – which includes suburbs such as Werribee, Point Cook, and Hoppers Crossing – had valuables left in plain sight. The Vehicle Crime Reduction Team has arrested 75 alleged thieves in the Wyndham area since February 2024. Victoria Police said thieves will often target wallets, phones, and laptops and use stolen credit cards to purchase high-value items or create credit card accounts with stolen identities.

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