LOCK UP AS THEFT SURGES

Number of cars stolen hits an 18-year high

THE number of car thefts across the district has surged to an 18-year high as residents refuse to take simple steps to secure their vehicles and property.

At least 30 cars were stolen in the past 10 days in Toowoomba, pushing the year’s total to 547 - the highest in almost two decades.

While police are arresting known offenders with “monotonous regularity,” residents are leaving the door open wide to sneak thieves walking in, stealing keys and taking vehicles on joy rides.

Children as young as 13 have been charged with the offences as offenders, wellknown to authorities, continue to take advantage of unlocked and unsecured homes.

CAR thefts across the district have surged to an 18-year high with sneak offenders stealing keys to high-end late-model vehicles.

Using every available resource in a relentless crackdown on the surge, police have arrested 12 people in the past 10 days during which at least 30 cars were reported stolen.

It brings the year’s total as of yesterday afternoon to 547 the highest in almost two decades.

One suspect was arrested near Inglewood after police tracked a Holden Cruze stolen from Toowoomba.

Another two people were taken into custody near the Toowoomba airport after two stolen cars were stopped or crashed in the city.

Another two offenders were taken into custody by NSW police when an allegedly stolen silver Mercedes was stopped across the border at Moree.

Frustrated police sources told The Chronicle people were leaving themselves open to falling victim to the opportunistic crime by leaving keys plainly visible, vehicles and homes unlocked, and valuables inside.

Restrictions on stolen car pursuits have forced city police to use covert methods which are yielding results.

Inspector Stephen Angus said the Darling Downs district had a clearance rate of more than 54 per cent, above the state average of 42.8%.

“It is impossible to steal a car unless you have the keys, so what we’re seeing is a correlation between break and enter of a dwelling, and stealing motor vehicles,” Insp. Angus said.

“Some offenders are transient offenders from other districts, so Ipswich for example, and other country areas like Goondiwindi and even from across the border in NSW.

“They’re coming across and stealing cars within this Toowoomba district and more broadly.

“Police are locking up the known offenders with monotonous regularity.”

Children as young as 13 have been among those charged with unlawful use of motor vehicles and are believed to be some of the main offenders in home break and enters.