Woollahra Council is working with Rose Bay Police Local Area Command and the NSW Attorney-General’s Department to reduce the presently high rate of stealing from cars in the Woollahra municipality.

Did you know…?

• In 2007 Woollahra was ranked 12th in the State for stealing from cars*
• On average, 1 in 70 Australian households had a car stolen in the last 12 months**
• Most car thefts are a matter of opportunity**

_{*  NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research
** National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council (2005)}

Stealing from a car is an opportunistic crime and is therefore preventable. The information provided below explains how you can keep your car safer and help prevent car crimes.

Keep Your Valuables and Possessions Safe

• Don’t tempt thieves by leaving valuables unattended or on display in your car. Coats, mobile phones, CDs and loose change can be a target for thieves. Always take your belongings with you when you leave your car.

• Never leave your GPS navigation device or laptop in your car and ensure you wipe away any suction marks left on the windscreen; they are a tell tale sign that you may have a GPS stored in your car.

• Remove any documents from your car which identify where you live – your home might be the thieves’ next target. Don’t leave important documents in your car, including identification cards, licence or registration papers. A thief could use these to dispose of your car.

• Never leave luggage or other valuables such as bicycles, surfboards or other belongings unattended on roof racks or other external carriers on your car.

• When you are driving, keep your valuables out of sight and keep your car doors locked. Your valuables can be an easy target for thieves whilst you are waiting at traffic lights.

Use Security Devices

• Install a high quality electronic alarm in your car. A high quality, audible alarm is a good deterrent to theft. Ensure you activate it every time you park, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

• Install an engine immobiliser for maximum protection. Installing an engine immobiliser that meets Australian Standard 4601:1999 is one of the best safeguards against opportunistic car theft, particularly the risk of theft to an older car.

• Prevent theft of your licence plates by securing them with tamper resistant one way security screws.

Keep Your Car Keys Safe

• Always take the key out of the ignition and lock the car whenever you leave it, even if it is for a minute or two, e.g. when filling up. Your car and belongings can be stolen in an instant.

• Don’t leave spare keys hidden in your car. Thieves know all the hiding places.

• Keep your keys in a safe place at home. Never leave them in an obvious place. Never leave your keys on your desk at work or in easily accessible places like in your bag or on a table.

• Don’t leave your car running or keys in the ignition and unattended.

Mark and Record Your Belongings

• Engrave or mark your car’s accessories with your licence number.

• Maintain a register of model and serial numbers for your valuable items, which will assist Police to track those items if they are stolen.

• Record your Vehicle Identification Number and Registration Number and store them in a secure place away from your car.

Lock Doors and Windows

• Ensure you lock your car doors and boot, close your windows and sun roof and activate the alarm if you have one - every time you leave your car.

Parking Wisely

• Park in open, well lit and populated areas near you destination.

• Try to avoid parking in quiet back-streets where there are few passers-by.

• Avoid parking in dimly lit or isolated areas.

• Don’t leave your vehicle unattended in a public parking lot for an extended period.

• Keep your car off the road. If you have a garage, use it and when you do, lock both the car and the garage door. If you have a driveway, ensure your car is parked on it.

A brochure (PDF file, 231.1 kb) containing the above information is available as part of the associated campaign by Woollahra Council.

Call CRIME STOPPERS on 1800 333 000 if you have any information about criminal activity, particularly concerning cars. You do not have to give out your name.

Financial assistance for this project was provided by the Crime Prevention Division, NSW Attorney-General’s Department.