The Gateway Patrol Group has advised Chermside residents to properly secure their vehicles after instances of thieves targeting a number of cars in Brisbane North in July 2021.
Read: Careful, Chermside! Secret Cameras Catching People on Phones Whilst Driving to Stay Permanently
Over the past month, there were 29 offences in the North Brisbane District. Six of these reported crimes happened in Chermside. These offences included enter with intent, unlawful entry of motor vehicle, and unlawful use of motor vehicle. Thieves have mostly targeted secure basement car parks of unit complexes.
North Brisbane District Crime Prevention Coordinator Sergeant Jodie Murray said most offences were committed overnight (between 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.) and were most commonly between Thursday and Sunday.
“Car parks were entered by offenders following residents’ vehicles through gates, forced entry of security or fire doors, manipulation of gate mechanisms and forcing open key boxes,” Sgt Murray said.
“Property targeted included bicycles, electric bikes, scooters, skateboards, sporting equipment, garage remotes, tools, cash, household items, firearms, two motorcycles and two vehicles,” he added.
The latest data from the National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council revealed there were a total of 50 motor vehicle thefts in Chermside in 2020. Around 68-percent of these were stolen from residence.
What You Can Do
If you’re an owner of a vehicle, here are some things you can do to help prevent car break-ins:
- Always lock doors and close windows when your vehicle is unattended
- Do not to leave keys hanging visibly on key hooks and store your keys out of sight and in a safe place
- Make a note when suspicious persons or vehicles are observed in your neighbourhood. Write down a description of the person or vehicle including registration number, make, model, colour, with date and time observed
- Consider joining your local Neighbourhood Watch Group.
Crime Watch Logan & Queensland is a page providing information and crime updates for the community covered by all the Logan Policing areas and by all Queensland Police Service’s areas for the whole of Queensland.
North Brisbane Police urges residents to report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Locals may call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au
