Sebastopol brick layer Clinton Ryan is the latest victim of ruthless thieves and has been left at least $6000 out of pocket.

The latest Crime Statistics Agency data showed Ballarat had one of the worst theft rates in regional Victoria.

The statistics collected from October 1, 2015, to September 30, 2016, showed a 12.7 per cent increase in the number of thefts in Ballarat.

Thefts had increased steadily over a five year period with a jump of more than 400 thefts in the past 12 months. 

Mr Ryan woke on Saturday morning to find his locked utility open and most of its contents gone. He said the brazen theft impacted his livelihood. 

“I’m gutted,” Mr Ryan said.

The sub-contractor was unable to work on Wednesday and was forced to purchase new tools on Saturday so he could return to work on Monday. His boss was also forced to fork out money for other essential tools.

Mr Ryan said the trade community was increasingly rocked by tool thefts that often left sub-contractors out of work for days, if not weeks. 

“They’re (the thieves) are just low lives. I don’t think that they care (about the impact they are having),” Mr Ryan said.

“You just never know if you’re going to be safe or not now.” 

Mr Ryan said the theft of his laser level, drill, Milwaukee kit and other equipment had cost him a day’s work, time and effort. Many of his items are named. 

Mr Ryan’s utility had been parked in his driveway and locked up. Offenders had forced open his car to break in.

“I didn’t hear a thing,” Mr Ryan said.

Police are continuing to remind drivers to lock their vehicles and store their valuables inside to prevent opportunistic thieves from forgetting cars laden with valuable items. 

“We are still seeing a high percentage cars being left unlocked in residential streets and in driveways of private premises,” Superintendent Andrew Allen previously told The Courier.

 “Again, I ask all drivers and owners of vehicles to lock them on leaving, no matter for how long. 

“Also, number plate thefts are still occurring and I appeal to people to take advantage of the safe plate days offered using the one way screws.”

Mr Ryan said police had said a number of cars in Sebastopol had been broken into on Friday night.

Police were unable to be reached for comment.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.