By ALESHA CAPONE
ST ALBANS logged the highest rate of car theft insurance claims in Melbourne last year, according to recently-released statistics from the RACV.
But Brimbank police have successfully driven down the municipality’s vehicle theft rate by almost a third during the past three months.
Last week, RACV released figures showing how many claims its metropolitan customers made for stolen vehicles during 2012.
The figures revealed 19 claims were made in St Albans, followed by Frankston and Epping on 17.
Sunshine was equal sixth-highest on the list, with 12 claims – the same total as Tarneit and Hoppers Crossing.
RACV insurance general manager Paul Northey said that, on average, 17 RACV members living in Melbourne were the victims of car theft every week.
“Most vehicles were reported stolen between 6am and 6pm, and this is an important reminder that thieves are opportunistic and will strike anywhere,” he said.
In the 12 months between 1 April last year and 31 March, Brimbank police arrested more than 1300 people for car theft, a rise of 16 per cent on the previous period.
However Inspector Stephen Mutton said in contrast, there has been a 32 per cent drop in vehicle theft rates in the municipality across the past three months.
Insp Mutton said the establishment of a Brimbank Vehicle Tasking Unit has contributed to the decrease, through measures including targeting known car thieves.
“We will continue to do that,” he said.
“Because we do it day-in, day-out, we know our ‘car crew’ is impacting on the crime rates.”
But he said residents needed to take measures to help prevent car theft.
Insp Mutton advised drivers to lock cars, not leave their keys in the car, keep valuables out of sight, park in lit areas and use one-way number plate screws.
