Ipswich Police are urging residents to take a closer look at how they secure their cars, trailers, camper trailers and caravans, warning that vehicle-related theft can be costly, frustrating and highly disruptive.
Speaking on West Bremer Radio’s Crime Watch, Senior Constable Chantelle Dowell from the Ipswich District Crime Prevention Unit said even simple security measures could make a significant difference.
“Vehicle-related theft can be frustrating, costly and disruptive,” Senior Constable Dowell said.
“Beyond the expense of replacing stolen property, victims can be left without transport and face daily inconveniences.”
Police are encouraging residents to make vehicle security part of their everyday routine rather than waiting until after something has been stolen.
Where possible, vehicles should be parked inside a garage, carport, fenced yard or another secure area.
If off-street parking isn’t available, owners should choose a well-lit and highly visible location that makes it harder for offenders to act without being noticed.
Senior Constable Dowell said residents should also consider the position of security cameras and CCTV systems around their property.
Careful placement can help provide a better view of parked vehicles and improve the chances of capturing useful footage if suspicious activity occurs.
Extra security for trailers and caravans
Owners of trailers, camper trailers and caravans are being encouraged to use high-quality locking devices such as wheel locks and coupling locks.
These devices not only make theft more difficult but also provide a visible deterrent that may encourage offenders to move on.
Heavy-duty chains can also be used to secure trailers and caravans to fixed objects where appropriate.
Police say combining several layers of security is often more effective than relying on a single lock or device.
For example, secure parking, a wheel lock, CCTV and a heavy-duty chain used together can significantly increase the effort required to steal a trailer or caravan.
Protect your number plates
Another simple and inexpensive security measure is the use of anti-theft number plate screws.
These one-way screws are designed to make it much harder for thieves to remove number plates and can be purchased from hardware and automotive stores.
Number plate theft can create major headaches for vehicle owners, with stolen plates sometimes used on other vehicles during further offences.
Senior Constable Dowell said anti-theft screws were a practical way to reduce that risk.
Old-school security still works
Police are also reminding motorists not to overlook traditional security devices such as steering wheel locks.
While they may seem old-fashioned, these devices can still be highly effective because they are immediately visible to anyone looking into the vehicle.
A thief searching for an easy target may simply move on if they see an additional layer of security already in place.
Motorists should also remove valuables from their cars rather than leaving bags, electronics, wallets or other items visible inside.
Even if an item has little actual value, police say its presence can be enough to tempt an opportunistic offender.
Look out for your neighbours
Residents also have an important role to play in keeping their neighbourhoods safe.
Senior Constable Dowell encouraged people to report suspicious activity around parked vehicles and to communicate with neighbours if they notice anything unusual.
“Talking with neighbours and sharing information can help everyone stay informed and reduce opportunities for offending,” she said.
Police say vehicle security works best when residents remain vigilant and combine good habits with practical crime prevention measures.
Further information is available from the Ipswich District Crime Prevention Unit on 3436 3479 or through the Queensland Police Service website.
0 Comments