Thefts from cars spark police plea for vigilance

A surge in vehicle break-ins in Bunbury in recent weeks that included property being stolen from nine cars within two hours has prompted a strong safety warning from one of the region’s most senior cops. South Bunbury has seen the largest increase in thefts from cars, as police recorded 29 vehicle property thefts in the South Bunbury area in the past four months, nine of which were within two hours on March 26. Crooks targeted the area within William Street, Ocean Drive, Minninup Road and Hudson Road, but South West crime prevention officer Sen. Const. Neale Horsley said there had been no further reports since a male person was apprehended following the March 26 offences. He said good work had been done in charging those responsible, but urged the community to help reduce this type of offending by removing all valuables from view when their cars were parked on the street or in driveways. “Unattended bicycles are also another item that is stolen on a regular basis, so it’s important to secure them with a lock when leaving them in a public place and storing them in a shed or house when you are at home,” he said. Bunbury police do not want the community to become complacent and is pushing them to remain vigilant in helping reduce crime. Sen. Const. Horsley’s main advice was to lock vehicles, don’t leave valuables inside the car, don’t leave bicycles out the front of the home and secure them when out in public places. He encouraged those with CCTV installed to register it with CAM-MAP WA, a database of voluntarily registered CCTV systems across the State. “It is up to all of us to make it harder for the crooks. Secure it or lose it. Don’t become a victim,” he said.