‘Significant increase’ in thefts from unlocked cars in Greater Shepparton

He said this was a “significant increase” in the number usually experienced.

Det Acting Sgt Clowes said most vehicles were unlocked overnight while parked in driveways or on the street.

He said many of the thefts stemmed from people just trying to open car doors, to see if they were unlocked.

He urged people to not only lock their vehicles, but also take any valuables out of them.

“Even if they are parked in your front yard or carport, make sure they are locked and valuables taken out,” he said.

“You’d be surprised how many cars are rummaged through and the owners didn’t know.”

Wallets, sunglasses and money were all taken from vehicles in the past month.

Det Acting Sgt Clowes said police had conducted several operations throughout the month to reverse the increase in thefts.

“Due to some night shift operations, the thefts seem to have decreased,” he said.