CRIMINALS are targeting cars parked at the ferry terminal at Cleveland.
After a spate of stealing and damage to cars over recent weeks, police have urged motorists to take appropriate security measures as they ramp up patrols.
First-year apprentice carpenter Jacob Bayton had tools worth about $1000 stolen from a padlocked toolbox in the back of his locked utility while he was on North Stradbroke Island.
One tool, a circular saw, was given to Mr Bayton by his employer the day he parked his car at the ferry car park.
The 18-year-old found the ute canopy open on Sunday, April 9 after a two-night stay on the island.
Also stolen was an impact driver and drill, bought over three months with a tool allowance as part of his apprenticeship. All the tools were Milwaukee brand.
“I have been working as a carpentry apprentice for five months,” Mr Bayton said.
Police said attempts also were made to steal a car parked near the terminal between April 5 and 8. The owner found the bonnet up and a window open on his return. The fuel hose on another car was cut between April 5 and 12.
Last month there was an attempted theft of a car on March 28, fuel stolen from another between March 10 and 24 and a vehicle damaged between March 19 and 23.
Sergeant Mark Thomas, from Cleveland police station, said vehicles should be secured and valuables removed or at least put out of sight.
He said police were patrolling near the ferry terminal and investigating crime that had been reported.
“Vehicles are also being parked in this unsecured area for extended periods of time, which greatly increases the risk of theft,” he said.
“Vehicles should be parked in a well-lit and highly visible area.”
Sergeant Thomas said car owners could install lockable fuel caps and secure registration plates with one-way screws.
He said valuables that should be removed or hidden included tools, GPS units, laptop computers, mobile phones, wallets and sunglasses.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity should contact Cleveland police station on 3824 9333 or triple zero (000) in an emergency.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. To report an offence, phone Policelink on 131 444.
