Opportunistic thieves targeting unsecured vehicles and homes across the far north
Hide your keys — that’s the message from police who say complacent car owners could do more to protect themselves against a rise in ‘opportunistic’ car thefts across the far north.
Far north police respond to a large number of offences including stealing from vehicles, theft of vehicles, entry to homes and theft of property from around the yard or under the house.
With 44 vehicles already stolen since January 1, police are asking residents to secure their vehicles when unattended and keep keys out of sight.
Most vehicles stolen are taken from the home, with thieves targeting homes to steal car keys and generally not stealing any other property.
A common denominator in a lot of these reported offences is that vehicles and homes were left unsecured.
Ways to help police and report offences
The Community Camera Alliance is a community safety initiative which launched in the Far North in 2021.
The initiative gives residents and business owners the opportunity to register their closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, allowing police to contact owners of cameras in a particular area where an investigation is being conducted.
Residents who choose to be part of the Community Camera Alliance can register a CCTV camera by completing the Community Camera Alliance registration form.
Further information on the Community Camera Alliance can be found here.
We encourage people to share information to help others keep their own property safe, however we discourage the sharing of CCTV or images of people and request they are given to police.
Do not report offences or suspicious behaviour to police via social media. Instead, use one of the following contact options:
Non-urgent reporting: Phone Policelink on 131 444
Emergencies: Call Triple Zero (000)
Report online
Online contact form
Tips to keep your vehicle and home safe
If you have off-street parking, use it. Park behind lockable gates or in a locked garage, as parking on the street greatly increases the risk of theft. Use secure parking facilities where they are available.
When leaving your vehicle unattended, fully close the windows, lock all the doors and take the keys with you.
Secure your keys at home. Don’t leave them lying around on tables, benches, bedside table or hooks at the front door. Keep them out of sight.
Ensure your home’s external doors and windows are locked when you are not home or when you are some distance from the property, such as in the back yard or at a neighbour’s house.
Fit security screens to your doors and windows and ensure they are locked.
Lock away items of value such as bikes, lawn mowers and garden tools.
Keep garage doors closed and locked when not in use.
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