Police have issued a warning to vehicle owners following an recent increase in car and motor cycle thefts in Alice Springs.
Detective Acting Superintendent Lauren Hill said there had been a significant increase in vehicle thefts in the past two months with offenders unlawfully entering homes to access keys.
"Police identified a crime trend in September and October where Alice Springs homes were being entered and keys taken before offenders then stole vehicles," Det A/Supt Hill said.
" A number of offenders have since been identified and are now on bail with curfew restrictions. Following this spate of offending police analysed the methodology used by offenders and some interesting facts were identified which we would now like to make the public aware of.
"Of particular interest is that in most cases basic home security was not being maintained and access was often gained into homes through unlocked windows and unlocked and open doors. In other cases keys were left outdoors on tables or barbecues. People who commit offences like car theft are often opportunistic by nature, and leaving keys in open view and doors and windows unlocked is just making it too easy for them."
Det A/Supt Hill said police analysis of these offences showed some interesting statistics. She said 70 per cent of vehicles stolen in Alice Springs this year were sedans and light commercial vehicles, with Ford Falcons being the sedan of choice. Fifteen Ford Falcons were stolen in Alice Springs during the period, with Toyota Landcruisers, Prados and Hilux single cab utes being the next most stolen vehicle types.
"And it's not just cars, " Det A/Supt Hill said.
"During the last school holidays seven golf buggies were stolen. There has also been a significant increase in the theft of motor cycles and scooters in Alice Springs in the past couple of months and of particular concern is that most 46 per cent of bikes, including quads, had no identifying marks on them. This makes it extremely difficult for police to identify and recover them."
Det A/Supt Hill said police were urging owners to maintain adequate security around their homes.
"Simple measures such as shutting your gates at night and keeping your doors and windows locked can be enough to deter offenders. We would also urge owners to take photos and engrave serial numbers on their property and ensure they never leave valuable in their cars. With the school holidays coming up and many people leaving town it's also a good idea to get to know your neighbours and ask them to keep an eye on your property while you're away.
"Anyone who sees any suspicious activity should ring police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. People can also contact police to organise a security audit on their homes. These audits are known as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design , and they will result in police advising you about any additional measures you can take to deter offenders.
"This might include things like increasing security lighting and cutting down shrubbery which gives offenders a place to hide. Property offending such as house break-ins and vehicle theft is everybody's business and police need the community to do their bit to deter offenders."
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