Wyndham is one of Melbourne’s hotspots for malicious vehicle damage, with new data showing 33 claims totalling $91,000 were made last year.
RACV insurance data released last week showed there were 125 malicious damage incidents across the western suburbs, with Brimbank recording the highest bill of $146,610 followed by Wyndham and Melton ($79,833).
The insurer received more than 1300 claims for malicious vehicle damage in 2013 at a cost of $3.5 million – an average of $2690 per claim – with most incidents taking place between 6am and midday.
Malicious damage included vehicles being broken into, keyed and scratched, windows smashed and panels dented by vandals jumping on roofs and bonnets.
Last month, a vandal slashed the tyres of more than 60 cars across 10 streets in Wyndham Vale, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
Werribee police crime prevention officer Leading Senior Constable Craig McDonald said he was shocked by the number of drivers who continued to leave valuables inside their vehicles, making them easy targets for thieves.
“People still leave phones, laptops and handbags on the front seat or cash in the centre console,” he said.
“Thieves will only break into vehicles when they see the potential for reward, so don’t make it tempting. Blankets are often used to cover up items on the back seat, but that’s not a good idea because thieves will assume there’s something valuable underneath.”
RACV general manager of insurance Paul Northey said drivers could take simple steps to deter vandals and thieves.
“One of the best preventative steps to protect your vehicle is to park off the street in a secure garage, but if you have to park on the street, do so in a well-lit, busy location,” he said.
“Leaving your GPS holder fixed to the windscreen or iPod charger plugged in is like leaving your wallet on the dashboard.
“Always remove the GPS from display, as well as the support bracket and suction pads if possible.”
Reported thefts from motor vehicles fell 5.6 per cent in Wyndham in 2013-14.
