By XAVIER SMERDON
SCORES of vehicles were damaged in malicious acts across Wyndham during the last financial year, new figures reveal.
RACV Insurance claims data released last week showed that Wyndham was the second worst municipality in the western suburbs when it came to damaged cars.
A total of 35 incidents costing nearly $95,000 were reported in Wyndham between 1 July 2012 and 30 June this year.
Brimbank had just two more incidents reported than Wyndham.
RACV General Manager Insurance Paul Northey said malicious damage to vehicles caused significant inconvenience to motorists and cost millions to repair.
“Last year, RACV Insurance paid out more than $3.44 million to members whose vehicles had suffered malicious damage,” Mr Northey said.
“With the average malicious damage claim costing $2,894, motorists should ensure they have adequate insurance cover to avoid a hefty vehicle repair bill.
“Of course, prevention is better than cure. One of the best preventative steps motorists can take to protect their vehicle is to park it off the street and where possible, in a secure garage.
If you must park on the street, try and park in a well-lit location with people frequently passing by, as this can act as a deterrent to opportunistic thieves and vandals.”
Mr Northey said people who park their car in a garage should make sure they locked their garage door.
“It may sound straightforward, but ensuring the garage is locked is one of the simplest steps you can take to protect your car from malicious damage,” he said.
