The Heidelberg Leader’s Street Watch section has reported a number of car break-ins in recent weeks.  A fortnight ago in the Rosanna & Heidelberg areas there were two cars stolen and a further five broken into. This week they reported that there has been an increase in thefts from cars in the Ivanhoe/Eaglemont area.  Four thefts occurred in one night from cars parked in driveways.  In two cases tools were stolen from the backs of utes, while in the others personal belongings were stolen after the cars were broken into. Police believe the break-ins are linked.

There are some obvious ways to avoid these kinds of thefts happening to you:

1. Park your car or ute in the garage at night if possible. It can be easier to just pull up in the driveway but thieves will look for the easy mark so a bit of extra precaution may stop you from being the victim.

2. Don’t leave valuables in clear view in your car or van.  Remember to put away electronic devices such as GPS’s. The temptation may be just too great for someone.

3. Make sure your tools of trade are protected by fitting larger hasps and better Lockwood/Abus padlocks.

And the final piece of advice is have a good locksmith’s phone number on hand to get your car or work vehicle secure again quickly.  The last thing you want is to lose more time and money after a break-in.

Heidelberg Leader
23 Apr 2013

DETECTIVES are looking for witnesses to four thefts from cars in Ivanhoe and Eaglemont in one night. Banyule detective Senior Sergeant Kevin O’Connell said crimes were committed on cars parked in driveways on the night of Friday, April 12. He said a…read more…