Beach warning for Perth motorists
02 January 2009
The RAC has issued an alert to Perth beach-goers about a spate of recent car thefts from beach-front carparks.
The RAC says three cars have been stolen from beach-front carparks in recent days with several similarities between each theft indicating that thieves have begun targeting beach-goers as the summer weather heats up.
WA Police have also confirmed an increase in the number of thefts from beach-goers, including car keys.
Glen Walker from RAC Insurance said in each theft the keys were stolen while the car owner was swimming or walking along the beach.
“The thefts all occurred on Perth’s northern beaches and it appears that in each case the thief watches the owner arrive and park at the beach,” Mr Walker said.
“They then follow the owner to the beach and wait for them to go swimming or walking, leaving their belongings unattended.
“The key is then stolen and the thief makes a quick getaway in the car or they use the keys to steal items from the car.”
The latest thefts occurred at Floreat, Scarborough and Hillarys beaches according to Mr Walker.
“We all tend to be a bit more relaxed around Christmas and the holiday break but car owners need to be aware of the threat of car theft when keys are left unattended. It can be a major inconvenience especially at this time of year,” Mr Walker said.
“Car owners should try to be aware if they are being watched or followed from the car park and should keep their possessions in sight while they’re on the beach or swimming.
“If you’re going for a walk along the beach, take your keys with you. If you’re swimming, try to either hide your keys in your towel or clothing or perhaps even tie them to a shoelace – but be aware that people might be watching you. Try and keep an eye on your belongings whenever possible”
“The longer a thief has to spend searching for your keys, the more likely that they will give up for fear of being spotted.
“The worst thing a car owner can do is leave the car keys on the top of your tyres. That’s the first place a car thief will look,” Mr Walker said.
Download the release