Bathurst Regional Council, in conjunction with Chifley Police District, has launched a program to help prevent stealing from motor vehicles.
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The Bathurst local government area (LGA) is currently ranked 45 out of 120 LGAs for steal from motor vehicle offences, with 185 incidents recorded in 2019.
A large percentage of offences targeted vehicles in residential areas which had been left unlocked, often with valuables inside.
Bathurst councillor Jacqui Rudge said the campaign will help remind residents to secure their vehicles and valuables to help reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
"The idea of the campaign is to keep reminding people to lock their vehicles and I find it really needs to be a habit," she said.
"If you've done some shopping, hide it from visibility because that's what people are after if they're in the business of theft.
"There's been an extent of stealing from motor vehicles and people really need to be alert."
Inspector David Abercrombie said theft from motor vehicles is a common offence in the Chifley Police District, in particular the Bathurst LGA.
"It's a crime of opportunity and it's driven by a range of different factors," he said.
"It's something we rely on the public heavily to give us information.
"Over the past 12 months, I'd estimate there's been in excess of 120 steal from motor vehicles across Bathurst LGA, which is a significant amount of people becoming victims of this crime.
"It's not pleasant. We also feel sometimes that it is unreported because people might be worried about the impact unlocked vehicles might have on their insurance."
Inspector Abercrombie said general security is important when it comes to your motor vehicles and home.
"Remember to lock your doors and your windows, especially if you're not at home," he said.
"If you are at home, don't leave your keys or wallet in an obvious position. If someone does get in, they won't have trouble finding it.
"We have had a number of incidents over the past few months where offenders have targeted car keys when they've broken into houses.
"If you have the opportunity, park your car under a well-lit area. If you have to leave any valuables in the car, please leave them out of view.
"This is really a crime of opportunity where people will walk around the street in the middle of the night lifting door handles and every car they come across unlocked they'll go through it."
Make sure you report all criminal and suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.