Automobile and contents thefts have spiked in Victoria, resulting in requires automotive homeowners to higher safe their autos and the non-public belongings they maintain inside them.
Greater than 21,400 automobile thefts, or tried thefts, have been recorded within the 12 months to March 2024 in line with Victoria’s Crime Statistics Company.
That represents a rise of virtually 4000, or 22 per cent, on the earlier 12-month interval.
Thefts of things from inside autos have been additionally up by 18.6 per cent to 59,000.
In response to the newest information, the Royal Vehicle Membership of Victoria (RACV) has distributed a bulletin to drivers encouraging a renewed deal with automobile safety to counter such crimes, placing ahead 5 suggestions.
The RACV is advising motorists to put in anti-theft quantity plate screws to fight quantity plate theft.
It additionally suggests drivers maintain useful private gadgets of their automobile out of plain sight.
Different really useful safety measures embrace parking in a safe area equivalent to a storage or gated driveway, and guaranteeing your automotive is locked upon exiting the automobile.
Vehicles parked on the road have been the primary goal for thieves, with 6365 automobile thefts and 22,471 property thefts recorded over a 12-month interval.
Lastly, the RACV is encouraging automotive homeowners to assessment their automotive insurance coverage coverage to keep up an satisfactory degree of canopy.
“If the chance presents, thieves will break right into a automotive and take possessions which can be simply seen from exterior the automobile, typically utilizing the chance to steal the automotive itself. That why it’s essential to guard your automobile, even when it’s parked at dwelling,” stated RACV common supervisor of motoring merchandise Jeff Ames
“Sadly, simply because your automotive is parked at dwelling in a driveway doesn’t imply it’s fully protected so don’t forgot to lock the doorways, wind up home windows, and guarantee nothing useful is in plain sight.
“Quantity plates rank as one of many prime gadgets stolen from automobiles. These plates are then fitted onto stolen autos and used to commit crimes together with ram raids, gas theft, and burglaries.”
