Frankston City Council is committed to reducing the incidence of car theft within our municipality.

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Theft of motor vehicles is increasing in residential areas. It is important not to become complacent when it comes to securing your vehicle in residential streets, and in your driveway and carport/garage.

Frankston City Council is making a difference in the municipality through its Car Theft Prevention campaign. Since 2001, the rate of car theft in Frankston City has fallen from over 200 cars a month to under 50. It is believed that through increased community awareness and publicity on how to prevent car theft, this figure can be reduced even further.

What can I do to reduce the risk of my car being stolen?

The best way to prevent your car from being stolen is to install an engine immobiliser which cost around $200. With this equipment no-one can start the engine unless they have a key. The next best method is the steering wheel lock. These are clearly visible and act as a deterrent to would-be car thieves. Thieves like easy opportunities. If they have to make a lot of noise, spend a lot of time, or risk being seen, then the chances are they won't bother. The best thing you can do to ensure that your car is secure is to make it harder for them to break into your car.

Simple Tips:

• Wind up car windows
• Remove valuables from the car, or hide them from view
• Activate a steering wheel lock
• Park in a well-lit, busy area
• Spare keys should never be hidden in or on a vehicle

What are the costs associated with having my car stolen?

Even if your vehicle is insured, it can cost up to $1,200 in alternative travel arrangements, phone calls and loss of income before you get back on the road again. If your car isn't insured, the sky is the limit. Furthermore, most cars are found and, unless it has been extensively damaged, are returned to you. This leaves you with a reminder that someone has invaded your personal space.

Imagine the inconvenience and associated stress of having your car stolen. Is it worth taking the chance?

What cars are most at risk of being stolen?

Research has shown that the most commonly stolen vehicles in Victoria are those more than 10 years old. Most of these vehicles are eventually found but a significant number are damaged or destroyed.

Older Fords and Holdens are among the most targeted cars. Why? Because they generally lack effective security devices, making them easy targets, particularly for the opportunistic car thief. Every car owner is at risk of becoming a victim of car theft regardless of the type of car they drive. We all must take precautions to protect these valuable assets.

What is Frankston City Council doing to reduce the rate of car theft in the municipality?

Frankston City Council has devised a public communications campaign that includes numerous strategies with the aim of increasing community awareness about car theft prevention. Victoria Police and Frankston City Council are working together in a bid to drive down car theft in the municipality.

• In conjunction with Frankston Police Council is rotating road signage advising drivers not to leave valuables in their vehicle when parked in their driveway.
• Frankston City Council launched a  targeting new licence holders, providing them with information about car theft prevention and road safety, as well as other freebies including P Plates and discount vouchers. The Kit includes a survey with the chance to win an engine immobiliser.
• Increased publicity in the local media to create greater awareness of car theft and car theft prevention.
• Theft from Motor Vehicle Awareness Stickers were placed on all municipal car parking ticket machines in 2003. While the ticket machines are no longer in use due to Frankston's free parking, the machines still stand with the stickers on them. Frankston Police still attribute a decline in theft of motor vehicles in public car parks to the public awareness raised through these stickers.
• Frankston City Council has produced Theft from Motor Vehicle stickers that are designed to be placed on your windscreen to remind the driver no to leave valuables in their vehicle and deter opportunistic thieves.

For further information...

• Visit Crime Prevention Victoria http://www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au/
• Call the "CarSafe" hotline on 1300 132 146 or visit the "CarSafe" Web site at www.carsafe.com.au
• Access the Crime Stoppers Web site and view their Motor Vehicle Theft in Rural Areas   (Acrobat PDF file - 2 MB)  brochure for more information
• Contact Frankston City Council's Community Safety Department on 1300 322 322.