POLICE want Ballarat residents to take preventative action against car thefts and are spreading their message with strategically placed electronic signs across the city.
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Leading Senior Constable Janine Walker said the Park Smart campaign was a partnership between Victoria Police and the City of Ballarat and asked residents to “lock it, remove it or lose it”.
“It’s a campaign to remind people to be diligent about not leaving valuables in cars,” she said.
“The signs are located in strategic areas to notify residents there have been thefts in the area.”
Leading Senior Constable Walker said thefts from vehicles were not confined to public streets, but were occurring in private residences and driveways too.
She said the theft of petrol was also an increasing problem, with farm equipment as well as passenger cars targeted by opportunistic criminals.
“If you lock newer cars, they automatically lock the fuel caps,” Leading Senior Constable Walker said.
“The message is for people to be diligent. Lock cars up and don’t leave valuable possessions.”