100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

myPolice column: the common mistake that could see you get robbed - and fined!

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Coast’s ‘most wanted’ invasive species list released

A cactus native to South America, foxes and feral deer are among the targeted species in the region's new biosecurity plan. Residents can now explore More

Search underway for independent to contest federal seat

A community group has ramped up its search for an independent candidate to run for federal parliament next year. Fairfax Matters is calling for expressions More

Photo of the day: aquatic paradise

“A great start to the day on Dunethin Lake – fish jumping, pelicans patrolling and Mount Ninderry keeping watch,” writes Alison Sayce. If you have a More

Leading imaging clinic expands with state-of-the-art facility

A leading medical imaging company has opened its newest state-of-the-art facility, marking a new era for radiology in the region. Sunshine Coast Radiology (SCR) has More

Ferry service starts with scenic spot added to route at 11th hour

The Sunshine Coast's first regular passenger ferry service launches today, with a fourth stop added to the route at late notice. The 52-passenger Mooloolaba Ferry More

Coast swelters amid ‘unusual’ heatwave

Parts of the Sunshine Coast are being walloped by hot conditions in a precursor to summer. Temperatures rose across the region on Wednesday, amid a More

When Sunshine Coast Police locate an unsecured vehicle and speak to drivers it is not unusual for the response to be: ‘I didn’t know that was an offence’ – but it actually is!

Under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management – Road Rules) Regulation 2009 there are a number of offences around securing vehicles.

Two of the main offences that we see are ‘Driver failed to remove the ignition key with no one over 16 years remaining with the vehicle’ and ‘Driver failed to lock the vehicle after leaving the vehicle’.

Both offences have a $55 fine. Whilst it may not be a hefty fine, there are other implications such as identity theft, stolen property and vehicle theft.

Theft from, and also of, unlocked vehicles is an ongoing problem across the Sunshine Coast and yet is simple to reduce – if everyone secured their unattended vehicles.

Police and volunteers will often patrol carparks and streets, leaving notes for drivers identifying the valuables that have been left in their vehicles with a note saying ‘Lock it or Lose it”.

Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article 

Laptops, tablets, phones, mail (with your home address and details on it), keys and money are common examples of property left in vehicles. Tools and other work-related items are also commonly left unsecured.

Not only are vehicles being left unlocked, but we also see vehicles with keys left in the ignition!

The only thing missing is a note saying “please steal me”. Opportunistic offending is very common and the result of us not taking simple precautions to secure our property, including our vehicles!!

Again, it is the cost, the inconvenience and the ongoing implications if your vehicle or your property is stolen. It could even affect your employment if you don’t have vehicle to get to work or if your ID is stolen it could lead to identity theft.

Sunshine Coast Police ask all residents to help us reduce crime by taking simple precautions to secure your vehicles and remove valuables items.

This column is compiled by the Sunshine Coast District Crime Prevention Unit.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

Hidden
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share