Police sound alarm after surge in vehicle thefts

FAR North police are reiterating the importance of locking up with vehicle thefts in the Cairns region on track to surpass last year’s record high.

So far this month, there have been 36 vehicles stolen, bringing the total number of cars stolen so far this year to 212.

Last year, property crime involving stolen vehicles spiked with offenders stealing 767 cars from Gordonvale to Northern Beaches, compared to 602 in 2016.

Senior Constable Heidi Marek said police would continue to target property crime and apprehend those responsible.

“We urge the community to support us by reviewing their security practices and remaining vigilant with home and vehicle security,” she said.

“Vehicle owners are reminded to ensure all valuables have been removed from their * T&C’s apply, competition opens 9.00am Thursday, 29th March and closes 4.00pm Wednesday, 11th April 2018. Go to www.cairnspost.com.au/competitions to see full T&C’s. car, that the car is left locked and secured and that car keys are hidden out of plain view.”

Some top tips to better home and vehicle security include ensuring vehicles are left secured at all times, removing valuables, including house and spare keys from vehicles, parking vehicles in a locked garage where possible, ensuring your home was appropriately secured, and ensuring security doors were key locked and the key had been removed from the door.