Car thefts eclipsing total in 2016

CAR theft numbers across the Far North are already on the verge of reaching last year’s total despite three months still remaining in 2017.

Unlawful use of a motor vehicle figures for 2016 were already up by 22.9 per cent on the previous year, with 602 cars stolen last year.

That figure has already reached 561 since the start of 2017, just 41 short of last year’s total. Police data also reveals an average of three cars have been stolen a day in the first four days of October.

Small, mobile gangs are honing in on individual suburbs during one-night crime sprees, targeting unlocked homes and cars, and causing residents to feel unsafe in their own homes.

Desperate victims are increasingly turning to social media to seek assistance to find their stolen vehicles and warn others in their suburbs to be vigilant.

Fearless thieves are now even targeting residents while they are still awake, with one victim eating dinner just a few metres away when thieves crept into her home and stole her car earlier this week. Another Cairns family was left devastated after their only vehicle was stolen and destroyed in a bottle shop ram raid.

Police have released a list of outstanding vehicles stolen from Cairns and surrounding areas, saying all suburbs are now being targeted.

They are asking members of the community to remember to secure their cars and homes.

Police have also warned the public not to attempt to intercept the vehicles.