By Kaitlyn Offer, Midland-Kalamunda Reporter
CAR thefts are at a four-year high, with almost 1900 vehicles stolen in the Perth metropolitan area in the first three months of 2012.
Figures released this week by WA police show a 27 per cent increase in vehicle thefts in the past financial year – the highest since 2008, when 1831 vehicles were stolen in the same period.
The spike has prompted police to launch Operation Swallow, targeting vehicle thefts and the crimes associated with them.
Police media spokesman Samuel Dinnison said officers were appealing for community help to reduce major crime on the roads.
“We are asking the public to help us identify those involved in the theft of vehicles and associated offences by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information they have,” he said.
“These offences impact on all members of the community – both directly and indirectly – and the targeting of these offences are a major priority for police.”
Operation Swallow, launched on April 29, ends on Saturday, May 26.
During the campaign, police will urge members of the public to implement simple but effective crime prevention strategies such as:
Ensuring vehicles are locked when at home or out;
Keeping vehicles in a secure garage at home;
Making sure that doors and windows at home are kept locked;
Ensuring car keys are kept in an area of the home where a thief is unlikely to find them;
As part of the campaign, police have set up a special website specifically detailing information on how to report a car theft.
For more information, go to yourgamesup.com.au.