Police have reminded the community to lock their cars to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of theft.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
There was a spate of more than 100 reported thefts from cars across the Ballarat and Moorabool police service areas last month.
In the majority of incidents, the offender easily gained access to the car as it had been left unlocked. Most of the thefts occurred overnight, including from cars parked in residential streets, driveways and carports.
This has triggered police to conduct Operation Help Yourself once again. The education campaign was conducted last year but with the recent resurgence in the crime, police are conducting the operation again during the coming weeks.
Related coverage: Why you will see police peering into cars across the city this week
Related coverage: Why are Ballarat police disappointed with residents?
Increasing patrols of residential streets and known theft hot spots such as car parks, police will also peer into cars looking for valuables and check if doors have been left unlocked.
This will not only serve to provide a visible police presence and reassurance to the community, but police will also use the time to spread the message about the importance of being security conscious.
Leading Senior Constable Des Hudson, from the proactive unit, said police understood people were busy but asked everyone to take a few seconds to ensure their cars were locked and any valuables were removed from view so potential offenders were not tempted.
"We want to do what we can but need the public to do what they can as well, to make it difficult for would-be thieves involved in this time of crime," he said, adding that this was a crime that could "so easily be prevented with simple measures".
He explained that theft from cars was often an opportunistic crime where a would-be offender walked the streets trying door handles until they found an easy target.
With no potential witnesses around, the offence is often committed in seconds with a laptop, phone or handbag stolen and the contents easily sold for a profit.
Within the last month a male, believed to be local to the area, has been spotted walking the streets and trying door handles.
Leading Senior Constable Hudson encouraged the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour as it happens by calling 000.
"Hopefully by working in partnership with the community and following these simple tips, we can identify the offender and hold them to account," he said.
