By Aneeka Simonis
EXPENSIVE tools and trade work equipment are being swiped in record numbers from cars across Cardinia Shire, causing police to urge tradies to lock up or lose it.
In the space of five days last month, thousands of dollars of worth of tools were stolen from parked cars in the area.
It appears typical trade vehicles such as utes and vans top the list of cars under threat by tool-thieves.
The theft spree began on Wednesday 22 April when 2000 Toyota utility parked outside a home on Taunton Drive in Pakenham was broken into between 12.00am and 5.30am in the morning.
Cardinia’s Crime Investigation Unit (CIU)’s Detective Sergeant Phil Jury said $1100 worth of tools was stolen from the hatch of the ute including an expensive laser level.
In the same five-hour window, a similar vehicle parked outside a Pakenham address was ransacked by thieves who stole $700 worth of work equipment.
Thieves broke into the Holden utility parked at a Clifford Drive address via a rear door latch, taking a work bag filled with safety equipment, an air compressor and leads.
Just meters down the road and during the same time period, a 2010 Mitsubishi van parked outside a home on Sandalwood Drive in Pakenham was also broken into.
The driver reported $300 worth of tools were taken from the van.
Days later on Saturday 25 April, a 2000 Toyota Land cruiser parked in Garfield was targeted by tool thieves who pinched $1000 worth of tools from the unlocked vehicle.
A toolbox and Paslode nail gun were among the stolen items taken from the car parked on Archer Road in Garfield between 8pm and 10.30pm.
But it’s not just vehicles that are under attack.
Berwick Tractors, located on Princes Highway in Officer, also took a blow last week.
Det Sgt Phil Jury said thieves forced their way into the tractor yard by cutting locks to the gate and forcing their way through a door.
Spare tractor parts and tools were some of the items taken between 7pm on Tuesday 21 April and 7am on Wednesday 22 April.
The crims also forced their way into a vehicle parked on site.
Police urge all drivers to keep their cars locked at all times and make sure to hide or remove valuables from parked cars.
