By Alesha Capone
An initiative aimed at raising awareness of vehicle crime has been launched in Wyndham.
Senior Sergeant Steve Hayes (STEVE HAYES) said that police, Wyndham council, community groups and the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (NMVTRC) have joined forces for Operation Bounce Back.
The operation, led by the NMVTRC, provides $15,000 grant for councils and police to help educate the public about ways to help prevent motor vehicle theft.
Police and representatives from Neighbourhood Watch Tarneit Central handed out brochures outlining ways to help prevent theft of, and from, cars at the Tarneit train station last Monday.
Senior Sergeant Hayes said police in the Wyndham area were targeting vehicle crime.
“This is being targeted through operational focuses and strategies over the coming months, however combining this with public awareness and target hardening is likely to achieve improved and more sustainable results in reducing vehicle crime within the PSA (Police Service Area),” he said.
“As the population continues to grow exponentially and geographical expanse of the PSA continue to provide challenges in maintaining consistent high visibility deterrents to vehicle crime, community support and shared ownership of the problem is increasingly important.”
Senior Sergeant Hayes said that when motorists parked their vehicles, they should take valuable items out of the car, or at least not leave them within sight inside the car. He said tradies should take their tools out of utes and work vans overnight.
He said also drivers should endeavour to park vehicles where there is good lighting and where CCTV is available, and when at home, in a garage or the driveway.
Other safety tips include:
• Securing keys away at home in locked safes or receptacles out of sight.
• Adding additional security and CCTV at home.
• Having strong relationships with neighbours, to keep an eye on each others’ home security and report any suspicious behavior.
• Using vehicle immobilisers, and anti-theft screws on number plates (available from Bunnings or motor vehicle parts/accessories stores),
The awareness campaign will run in Wyndham until March next year. See www.carsafe.com.au for details.
