A POLICE taskforce has been set up to tackle car thefts in Wyndham.
Taskforce Rio will target and investigate suspected organised crime groups involved in the theft of cars and identify tactics used to profit from them. It will also cover other municipalities across Melbourne’s west, including Brimbank and Maribyrnong.
The announcement comes after crime statistics revealed that vehicle thefts in Wyndham increased by 41 per cent between October 2011 and September this year.
Acting Inspector Damien Christensen said car thefts were an ongoing problem. He said evidence suggested that many thefts were carried out by the same two or three people.
Region Commander Jeff Forti said he expected the taskforce to significantly disrupt groups responsible for car thefts.
“We believe that the increase in car thefts in our region is related to the operation of organised crime groups who are attempting to gain profit from these thefts,” he said.
Acting Inspector Christensen said motorists could help reduce the number of thefts in Wyndham. He said in the last two days of November, almost 40 cars were broken into after their owners left them unlocked or wound down the windows to cool down the car.
“Just because we have a 38-degree day it doesn’t mean you drop your guard and leave the car open,” he said.
The taskforce will begin in the coming weeks.
—Laura Little
