North Shore Area Police Command Ask Residents to Lock Their Houses and Cars

The Lower North Shore has seen a significant increase in stolen cars and home break and enters.

The North Shore Police Command has started a public awareness campaign to encourage residents to lock their cars and homes.

The Crime Manager at North Shore Police Command told ITC:

“Unfortunately in nearly all of our recent break and enters where luxury vehicles have been stolen, victims have had either their houses or their cars containing keys or garage remotes unlocked. The message we are trying to get out to the North Shore Community is to lock your cars and houses at night and to report any suspicious behaviour/noises.”

The Crime Manager also told ITC:

“The Lane Cove Council Area is not our most high-risk area however,  we have seen an increase from one stolen motor vehicle in April / May to four stolen motor vehicles in June / July with three of these as a result of a Break and enter offence into an unlocked house with car keys stolen and then the car stolen. ”

Steps to Prevent Motor Vehicle Theft

• Don’t leave your car key in your car;
• Always tell your neighbours when you’re going away;
• Install Sensor Lights – ITC has been told about intruders fleeing after a sensor light is activated;
• Don’t leave your car keys, wallets, iPad, iPhone and handbags by your door or in plain sight – this is an easy “grab and go” for intruders;
• It is easy for an intruder to steal your car if they find your car keys near the front door or on a hall table in a very organised car key/key bowl;
• Be on the lookout for someone who is acting suspiciously, e.g. looking in windows/checking parked vehicles. Make a note of the person’s appearance, clothing, and call the police immediately. You can report any crime or suspicious activities anonymously. Call North Shore LAC on 9418 8499 (always call 000 if there is an emergency).
• Invest in Security Cameras, the cost of security cameras has decreased lately. Speak to local experts Alert Locks and Security for some recommendations; and
• Finally, make sure your street number is visible so that if anything does happen the police can easily find your home.

Report Crime

It is important for Lane Cove Residents to report all incidents to police.  By reporting incidents this helps police monitor patterns and trends.  Read more here as to how you can quickly report a police matter.