By Jessica Anstice
Residents are growing increasingly frustrated by the rising rate of break-ins, car thefts and vandalism.
Brazen thieves have stolen or broken into more than 10 vehicles within the space of just one week across Pakenham.
A Nissan Pulsar was stolen from Cameron Way on Wednesday 11 December, a number of cars were broken into along Deveney Street on Friday 6 December, a car was broken into and trashed at Thwaites Road on Monday 9 December, and a few vehicles have been targeted by thieves on Ahern Road.
“Pakenham is getting worse. Not many youths want to pick up a hammer and work these days,” Joshua Mionnet, who lives on Deveney Street, said.
“They would rather take than earn. I had my storage shed broken into a couple weeks ago and had a lot of money worth of tools stolen.
“I’m a carpenter and I run my own business so to have all those tools stolen before Christmas put a lot of stress on me.”
Pakenham resident and car theft victim Tayla Louise said she “wasn’t shocked” when her mum’s car was stolen from Cameron Way.
“I wasn’t shocked that it was stolen because it’s Pakenham. This is what happens in Pakenham now,” she said.
According the Crime Statistic Agency, data released in June shows a 2.2 percent increase of motor vehicle theft while theft from motor vehicles increased by 19 percent in Cardinia, compared to the same time last year.
Anyone with information regarding an incident should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
