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ACT Policing is reminding Canberrans to lock their homes and secure their car keys as more than 140 cars have been stolen this year.
Since 1 January (2025) police have received 147 stolen motor vehicle reports – with the majority taken after offenders gained access to car keys via unlocked homes.
Thieves are entering homes via unlocked doors and windows or through internal doors from garages. Easy to locate items including bags, wallets, phones and car keys are then stolen. In many instances the car at the residence is also taken at this time.
Detective Inspector Elizabeth Swain said that people should lock their homes and secure their keys to make it harder for thieves to operate.
“If you have a car worth $40,000, you should consider your car keys as also being worth $40,000. Please make sure keys are stored in a secure place in your home and that all doors and windows are locked when you are not there, as well as overnight.
“Modern cars are not easy to steal without the keys - so criminals have adapted their actions to get those keys.
“We are also aware that some insurance companies are denying claims where homes are not locked, and car keys and cars are taken.
“We are doing our best to apprehend these offenders – with some people being arrested and charged multiple times this year for vehicle theft and burglary. But we need every resident to do their bit to make it as hard as possible for these thieves.”
For more information and advice on home security visit the ACT Policing website.
Anyone who has information about people stealing vehicles is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.