POLICE have warned drivers to be vigilant about security after a spate of thefts and damage to vehicles parked near Toondah Harbour, Cleveland.
Six incidents have been reported so far this month, with two cars stolen in two. A further five incidents have been reported since June.
It comes after a series of incidents at the Weinam Creek marina car park at Redland Bay, where the council is funding regular patrols and police have increased their surveillance ahead of the installation of security cameras expected by the end of the year.
A police spokesperson said offenders were targeting vehicles parked over long periods of time.
Police asked people to review CCTV and dashcam footage during the times and dates when incidents occurred.
"Police urge car owners and drivers to be vigilant about car security," the spokesperson said.
One vehicle, a green 2001 Volkswagen beetle with registration 147WZH, was stolen from Middle Street between Emmett Drive and Wharf Street between 7.30pm on September 14 and 5.30pm on September 16. Anyone who has information on this matter, should contact police and quote reference QP1901809167.
The second was a black Kia Rio hatchback that did not have registration plates. It was stolen from Emmett Drive between midday on September 9 and 4.25pm on September 14. (Reference QP1901805578.)
Between 4pm on September 7 and 9am on September 10, the left hand passenger window of a vehicle parked was smashed. (Reference QP1901762795.)
The driver's side canopy window of a vehicle was smashed and tools stolen between midday on September 7 and 1pm the following day. (Reference QP1901752379.)
The driver's side window of a vehicle was smashed between 6.15am on September 6 and 11am on September 8. (Reference QP1901751707.)
Keys, hunting and pocket knives, sunglasses, a UHF radio, garage remote control and cash were stolen from a vehicle on Emmett Drive between 4.10am on September 6 and 9.20am on September 8. The driver's side window was smashed to gain entry. (Reference QP1901751139.)
A blue 2014 Hyundai i30 was stolen, but later located, between 5.30am on August 30 and 8am on September 2. (Reference QP1901708332.)
The bonnet and roof of a vehicle were scratched between 8am and 3pm on July 20. (Reference QP1901437250.)
Roof racks were stolen from a vehicle parked on Middle Street, between Emmett Drive and Wharf Street, between 4pm on July 2 and 1pm on July 4. (Reference QP1901311689.)
Four wheels have been stolen from a vehicle parked on Emmett Drive, between Jetty and Middle streets, between 9am on June 17 and 10am on June 19. (Reference QP1901183346.)
The passenger side front door and rear door panels of a vehicle were scratched between midnight on June 10 and 4pm on June 17. (Reference QP1901173565.)
The spokesperson said the following tips could help with vehicle security:
- Park your vehicle in well-lit and highly visible areas whenever possible.
- Consider installing a car alarm or steering wheel lock.
- Consider installing a remote engine immobiliser which meets Australian standards.
- Consider installing a GPS tracker to your vehicle.
- Secure your registration plates with anti-theft screws.
- Always lock your vehicle, including the boot and sunroof, and fully close all windows.
- Never hide spare keys on or in the vehicle.
- Remove all valuables and personal items and avoid marking your keys with your personal or vehicle details such as name, phone number or vehicle registration.
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