Lock and hide to protect your ride


Released 28/10/2019 - Joint media release

Canberrans are being encouraged to ‘lock and hide to protect your ride’ as part of a new property crime awareness campaign aimed at outsmarting crooks.

“The ACT has some of the lowest property crime rates in Australia, but we need to remain vigilant because property crime can affect any one of us,” Minister for Justice Shane Rattenbury said.

“Our aim is to increase community awareness about these crimes of opportunity and the steps everyone can take to ‘outsmart offenders’ and reduce our risk of becoming a victim to property crime.”

“Keep your car keys in a safe place, close all your windows and lock your doors to ‘outsmart the offender’ by making it harder to steal your car.”

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said the ACT Government was working closely with ACT Policing on the campaign.

“Police officers have told us about the tactics offenders are using to steal cars and valuables,” Minister Gentleman said.

“These are often crimes of opportunity. Offenders look for easy targets like open windows, unlocked doors and cars left running in the driveway. Don’t tempt them by leaving valuables in your car.

“Our property crime reduction campaign will be rolled out over the next six months, with future phases raising awareness about how to make homes, apartments and small businesses more secure.”

You can learn more about the campaign at act.gov.au/outsmarttheoffender.

Tips to avoid car thefts and break-ins

Car break-ins are often opportunistic crimes and could happen to you – follow these tips to outsmart the offender.

Lock and hide

Even when your car is locked, it’s not impossible to get in. Offenders are less likely to break in if they can’t see anything worth stealing. Take the time to lock your doors, close the windows and don’t leave valuables in sight.

  • Lock your car even if you’re only gone for a few seconds.
  • Close all windows.
  • Don’t leave valuables in the car like your wallet, phone or tablet even if it is locked, even loose change can tempt a thief.
  • Don’t keep registration papers or anything valuable in the glove box.
  • Never leave spare keys and garage remotes in your car (even if they are hidden).
  • If possible, park in a garage, your backyard or carport rather than in your driveway or on the street.
  • Be aware of where you are parking if you’re out at night, park in a secure carpark or an area that is well lit.

Protect your ride

Statistics show cars are more likely to be stolen from a car park than any other location. Your driveway and house are also target locations.

We also know thieves continue to target older vehicles that don’t have an engine immobiliser because they are easier to steal.

If you have an older vehicle you should fit it with an Australian Standards approved engine immobiliseror buy a steering wheel lock. If your car was manufactured after 2001, your car will have come with an immobiliser.

For newer cars, thieves are now breaking into houses to find the car keys and then stealing the car.

Outsmart the offender by always taking your car keys with you, and when at home leave them in a safe place. If you leave home without your car, don’t leave your car keys in plain sight in your house.

- Statement ends -

Mick Gentleman, MLA | Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

Name Phone Mobile Email

James Webber

(02) 6205 7402

0466 023 084

james.webber@act.gov.au


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