CRIMINALS are taking joyrides in older cars in the Whittlesea municipality because they are easier to steal, according to police.
Residents had 588 cars stolen between April 2011 and March this year, compared with 453 between April 2010 and March 2011, an increase of almost 23 per cent.
Older cars without anti-theft features made easy pickings, but the figure also included the odd Bobcat or other excavating equipment at new housing estates, Whittlesea Police area commander Inspector Bob Dykstra said.
“[Older cars] don’t have ignition cut-out devices or alarms; the area has an aged car fleet without these features,” he said.
Inspector Dykstra said owners could reduce the risk of theft by parking off the street and using visible steering locks.
The latest police statistics for the 12 months to March also show a 19.4 per cent increase in drug offences, from 453 offenders to 576. Inspector Dykstra said although general assaults had dropped by about seven per cent, domestic assaults had increased.
“We have zero tolerance to domestic violence and will continue to charge every offender,” he said.
Robberies rose 18.8 per cent and crimes against people were up almost 13 per cent.
Inspector Dykstra confirmed earlier reports of a spike in burglaries – up 34 per cent to 1262 offences.
He said the local housing boom provided more opportunities for thieves.
“They are stealing airconditioning systems, hot water services and even plants from display homes,” he said.
He said burglars might be “stealing to order” with shopping lists for new goods about to be installed in homes or workers’ tools and equipment.
Mernda and District Residents Association president Mike Bradley said as the population increased, so did the crime.
He said theft and property damage concerned locals.
