Warning to keep car keys secure

A SPIKE in unlawful entry and car theft has prompted police to issue a warning to northern Gold Coasters to secure their vehicles and keep keys out of sight.

There have been 32 cases of unlawful use of a motor vehicle reported in the Coomera area and 83 reports throughout the Gold Coast this month alone.

Police are pleading with members of the public to check vehicles are locked and secured when leaving them unattended.

A police spokeswoman said advances in security technology had made it impossible to “hot wire” a car.

“70 per cent of late model vehicles are stolen with the keys,” she said.

“Thieves are now targeting homes to steal car keys, which is a concern because half of all vehicles stolen are taken from the home and another 25 per cent are stolen from a garage or on the street outside the owner’s home.

“The thefts are almost always opportunistic, with offenders often entering premises through unlocked doors and windows. Some offenders are prepared to enter occupied premises to quickly grab keys left in easily accessible spots.”

The spokeswoman said the vehicles stolen in burglaries were mostly being used to commit other crimes, including other burglaries.