By ALESHA CAPONE
MORE than 85 car-related crimes have been carried out in railway station car parks on the Werribee and Williamstown train lines across 12 months.
Postcode data from Victoria Police obtained by Star has revealed the amount of vehicles stolen and broken into during the latest financial year.
Laverton and Aircraft train stations topped the car crimes list with more than 40 vehicles either broken into or stolen from their car parks.
Werribee and Hoppers Crossing stations came in second with more than 25 cars pinched or targeted by thieves who have taken items from inside the vehicles.
In comparison, Middle Footscray, Footscray and Seddon stations only registered 12 car crimes in their car parks.
Spotswood, North Williamstown and Newport recorded seven car incidents during the year.
There were less than two between Williamstown Beach and Williamstown stations.
Westona, Altona and Seaholme recorded no car crimes during the 12 months.
But since July this year the municipalities of Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Wyndham have all experienced a rise in stolen vehicles and thefts from cars, according to Acting Inspector Steve Reynolds.
“We’ve got significant concerns about that across the whole division,” he said.
“We are facing battles on a number of fronts. Offences are on the rise and we are very concerned about it.
“I can tell you there has been a number of really young offenders.
“We are really looking for the help of the community in this.
“Be mindful there few opportunistic thieves out there who will look for cars which are unlocked or on the seats for a laptop, purse or coins – all those sorts of things.”
Acting Insp Reynolds said people should always lock cars, take valuables and keys with them, install anti-theft screws for number plates and report suspicious behaviour at car parks to 000 straight away.
In addition to train stations, Acting Insp Reynolds said vehicles parked overnight in suburban streets and off-street car parks were also being targeted.
Anyone with information about car crime can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
