Werribee police are warning tradies to be wary following a spate of thefts from vehicles.
Unlocked utes and vans were the target of opportunistic thieves last week in at least five separate incidents in new housing estates across the Wyndham police service area.
Offenders targeted vehicles parked at sites where tradesmen were working, taking numerous wallets and iPads.
In one incident, a “solid” Caucasian man wearing a high-visibility vest was seen reaching into the window of a vehicle in Point Cook.
Elsewhere, a Toyota Hiace van was stolen from the front of a house being built in Tarneit.
The van’s keys had been on the passenger seat.
A police spokesman urged tradies across Wyndham to remain vigilant.
“Given the nature of these offenders, we are asking for workers to pay particular attention to suspicious characters loitering around vehicles or worksites,” he said.
“Please keep your vehicles locked and any valuables out of sight.”
The spokesman urged anyone observing anything that seemed unusual or out of place at worksites or construction areas to notify police.
Information to Werribee police on 9742 9444 or Wyndham north police on 8734 1100.
For urgent matters, call triple-0.
