DRIVERS who think it’s OK to leave handbags, wallets or money in cars parked in residential streets or driveways should think again.
That’s the advice from police on the Mornington Peninsula who are frustrated that thefts from vehicles are on the rise again – with almost 70 offences committed in a recent three-week period.
“Most of these vehicles were left unsecured with money and valuables clearly on display,” Detective Acting Sergeant Rob Vine, of Rosebud CIU, said.
“We are seeing many thefts where thieves are particularly looking for mobile phones, wallets and handbags which contain identification and credit cards, which they then use to commit further fraud offences. It has a significant flow-on effect.
“Drivers should ask themselves: ‘Can I really afford to lose what is inside and to pay for the repairs to my car?’ Detective Acting Sergeant Vine said.
“They really do need to consider the inconvenience and related costs of having a smashed car window repaired, and replacing stolen items, as well as then potentially having to deal with a credit card fraud.”
First published in the Mornington News – 2 June 2015