MOTORISTS who leave their vehicles unlocked could be fined $119 as part of a renewed Victoria Police operation.
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Operation Secure 2 was launched this month in a bid to prevent theft from motor vehicles.
The operation was first run last December but a recent 40 per cent increase in steal from motor vehicle offences has prompted police to re-launch it Sen-Sgt Mark Byers, of Benalla police, said.
“We’ve notified people in the past but this is a real issue at the moment,” Sen-Sgt Byers said.
“Quite often cars are left unlocked so all a thief has to do is open the door and take whatever they want.
“It’s that trusting country culture, that you can leave things in your car unlocked but unfortunately there are people who will take advantage of that.”
Police will patrol Benalla streets checking on motor vehicles which have been left unsecured.
A list of vehicles which were warned during the December operation was retained by police and if those vehicles are again detected unlocked their drivers can expect a $119 fine Sen-Sgt Byers said.
“It is an offence to leave your vehicle unsecured, that is with a window down or the doors unlocked,” he said.
“I hope those who have been warned before have got the message and are now securing their cars.”
Sen-Sgt Byers said the primary focus of the operation was not enforcement but public education.
“We want to drive change, we can’t just rely on people to do the right thing,” he said.
Police will issue warning notices to drivers who have left their vehicles unsecured for the first time.
But anyone who leaves a vehicle unattended, with the driver more than three metres away from the car, with the keys in the ignition or the engine left running will be fined.
“It might be convenient to leave your car unlocked but there’s no real gain,” Sen-Sgt Byers said.
“In the end you’re the one that will miss out, you’ll become a victim of crime.”
Operation Secure 2 runs until June 18.
