Crime Prevention Officer with Chifley Police District Sen Cont Sue Rose said the spike in thefts was unusual, and in some cases could have been prevented if people took better security precautions.

Sen Const Rose said the cars were taken from different locations across the city, some were found dumped in Kelso,and we returned to their owners, others were burnt out.

While police continue to investigate those responsible, and are looking at specific lines of inquiry, she said the thefts highlighted the need for people to take basic security precautions, lock their cars and remove the keys from the ignition.

“Reading through the narratives, in some cases the keys were in the ignition.

“In another they were hidden under the driver’s seat.

She said the thefts were crimes of opportunity, and had the cars been properly secured, it is unlikely they would have been stolen.

Sen Const Rose called on people to park smarter, and protect their property.

“Thieves are at work, if they are not after your car, you can bet they are after the valuables you’ve left inside it,” she said, and urged everyone not only to lock their cars, but remove all valuables from inside the vehicle.

She urged everyone to properly secure their property, and also encouraged people to contact police if they thought something was amiss.

“If you see something say something,” she said.

“The community are our eyes and our ears, so if you see people lingering around or looking suspicious call us.

“Our officers will be tasked to the call and jump on it,” she said.

Sen Const Rose also took the opportunity to remind tradies to secure their tool boxes.

“Often while the took box is bolted down, we’re finding tradies are leaving the lock open.”