Victoria police are warning that the number of reported break-ins at underground parkades, detached sheds, garages and construction-site storage lockers has doubled since last year.
In 2019, 207 incidents were reported between Jan. 1 and Sept. 14. That has jumped to 414 for the same period this year.
Break-ins at underground parkades are up 40 per cent, rising from 137 in 2019 to 194 this year. Along with vehicles, thieves target storage units once they’re inside.
Thieves typically concentrate on high-value items such as bicycles, phones, laptops and vacuum cleaners, and often find tools in sheds and outbuildings.
Police recommend taking pictures of expensive items and recording their serial numbers, then emailing them to yourself so you’ll have a record. They also suggest strengthening locks on sheds, improving lighting and keeping expensive items inside your residence.
Never leave valuables inside a vehicle, and use short hedges, fences and lights to mark your property, police say.
