Drive to rein in thefts

Police focusing on property, vehicle crime

POLICE have arrested 17 offenders on 122 property theft and vehicle theft charges in Cairns in just one week.

This comes after 14 cars were reported stolen in Cairns during the first three days of April, setting an alarming trend for the month.

Acting Sergeant Heidi Marek said a number of the property theft and vehicle theft arrests included priority of- fenders who were wanted by police on outstanding offences which are under investigation.

She said Cairns police were working to stem the number of property offences across the region.

“Not only is this a focus for police in Cairns but also Gordonvale, Edmonton and Smithfield police stations and our local police beats,” she said.

“Police continue to place a priority on property crime both through tasked operations with general duties police in the Cairns area and our Property Crime Squad.”

Sgt Marek said the number of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and burglary offences had dropped in Smithfield by 22.6 per cent after Operation Roller Door, which took place in the suburb during December.

“The aim of the operation was to bring greater awareness to Smithfield and Northern Beaches residents about home and vehicle security,” she said.

“During police patrols in the Smithfield division, officers actively seek out open roller doors. Police then advise the residents and provide advice about home and property security.

“The operation has seen a positive response from members of the public with many appreciative for being alerted that they have left their doors up.”

Sgt Marek said police were committed to targeting vehicle thefts and property crime and part of that commitment included telling the public how to improve their home and vehicle security to prevent them becoming victims of crime.

She said the risk of car or property theft could be reduced if people always secured their vehicles, all valuables were removed from their cars, vehicles were parked in locked garages whenever possible, security doors were locked with a key, and car keys and valuables were hidden out of plain view.

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