State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, is urging local residents to follow some simple steps to protect themselves and their property with a rise in the number of motor vehicles being stolen and theft from motor vehicles increasing.
Statistics released by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research show that the levels of motor vehicle theft and steal from motor vehicles in the Cardiff area is two and a half times the State average.
Following a meeting with the Lake Macquarie Local Police District Commander this week, residents are being reminded to always lock their vehicles and remove any valuables from their cars when they park, including wallets and electronic goods.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“I urge all residents to keep an eye on their valuables and not leave them in your car overnight.”
“It takes just a moment for a thief to get in and out of an unlocked car or to smash a window and grab whatever they can. Take your phone and wallet with you when you park, and make sure that any bags left in the car are kept well out of sight.”
“By the time you realise the following morning that you have been robbed, the thief has used payWave to purchase goods worth hundreds of dollars.”
“Other valuables, such as cameras and laptop computers are simply sold to other criminals and the cycle continues.”
“In discussions with Police this week, it is evident that many residents are simply not locking their vehicles at night, with the majority of cars stolen, having been left unlocked.”
“People who utilise Cardiff Railway Station to commute to the Central Coast or Sydney are being targeted by thieves because they are leaving valuables in plain sight in their cars.”
“We need to work with Police and reduce the temptations that are allowing these criminals to thrive. Remember to lock your car and remove all your valuables, no matter how long you are going to be away from your vehicle.”