Car theft rates on rise

Unlocked vehicles, keys in open make for soft stealing targets

BURGLARY and car theft crime rates have risen across the Darling Downs with police urging residents to hide keys and lock homes to ward off offenders.

Police have made 61 property-related arrests in the past two weeks, with 26 of those offenders juveniles aged under 17.

City Patrol Group Acting Inspector Craig Berry said charges included unlawful use of a motor vehicle, burglary, and unlawful entry of premises and motor vehicles.

He said it didn’t matter what make, model or colour of car, the only thing thieves were looking for was soft targets.

He said a car was stolen from a Crows Nest service station on Thursday when the owner left the keys in the ignition while paying for fuel.

Another car identified as stolen drove into the fuel station within seconds of the driver going inside to pay when an offender stole their vehicle.

“This suggests that offenders may be casing soft targets like service stations in the hope of taking advantage of trusting persons,” Act. Insp. Berry said.

“While police have been very active in promoting vehicle and home security, and in investigating offences as they occur, vehicles are still being stolen at an alarming rate.

“Vehicles have been reported stolen throughout Toowoomba and its satellite suburbs, as well as in Warwick, in recent weeks.

“Police have tracked some of these vehicles as far south as Lismore and as far north as Ipswich, so offenders are very mobile.”

While police have charged several identified offenders, cars left unlocked or stolen using keys easily taken from unlocked homes meant offences were continuing across the region.

“We’re even seeing keys being stolen from occupied houses where keys are left in an easily accessible location,” Act. Insp. Berry said.

“We would like people to consider where they leave car keys while at home.

“Do not leave them in plain sight from the front door or on the back barbecue table.”

Phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.