BRIMBANK has racked up the highest bill in the West for malicious acts wreaked on vehicles.
RACV statistics released last week showed Brimbank vehicle owners claimed more than $94,500 in damages relating to malicious incidents between July 2012 and June this year.
The municipality of Wyndham – including the suburbs of Werribee and Hoppers Crossing – was a close second with more than $94,300 in malicious damages, followed by Melton with just over $76,000.
Malicious damage can include cars which are ‘keyed’ resulting in scratches, smashed windows, dented panels or otherwise vandalised.
RACV’s general manager of insurance Paul Northey said malicious damage to vehicles caused
inconvenience to motorists.
“Last year, RACV Insurance paid out more than $3.44 million to members whose vehicles had
suffered malicious damage,” Mr Northey said.
He said the average malicious damage claim could cost almost $3000, but there were some steps which drivers could take to help secure their vehicles – such as not leaving valuables in plain sight.
“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,” Mr Northey said.
“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.”
He also said home security was important for motorists.
“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,” Mr Northey said.
In 2011, the RACV named St Albans, Footscray, Essendon and Williamstown as among the malicious damage hot-spots in the West.
