Police will flood Wyndham train stations throughout next month in a bid to drive down theft from cars at adjoining carparks.
For Operation Railwatch, police will be on platforms at Williams Landing, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Wyndham Vale and Tarneit stations between 6am and 9am to hand out flyers with crime prevention tips.
The operation will culminate with a Safe Plate day at Bunnings in Hoppers Crossing on June 5, when drivers can get one-way screws fitted to number plates for a gold coin donation.
Crime prevention officer Craig McDonald said theft from cars was common in station carparks with an average of one set of number plates stolen in Wyndham every day.
“It’s an issue because commuters leave their cars there all day, making it easier for crooks,” he said.
“Everyone who leaves their car there is a potential victim. But they can help themselves … it’s all common sense stuff.”
Lock your doors
Leading Senior Constable McDonald called on commuters to lock their car doors, close windows and take out valuables before leaving their vehicle.
He said the Williams Landing station car- park was one of the worst for thefts from cars, with Hoppers Crossing close behind.
Leading Senior Constable Matthew Bextram said satellite navigation systems were easy to spot and among the most commonly stolen items from cars, along with loose change, handbags and purses, laptops and tablets.
He said drivers also left themselves exposed by leaving mail containing sensitive information such as home addresses and bank account details on display.
“They know you’re not home and often people leave garage remotes in the car,” he said.
