Crims targeting Melbourne workshops – don't be a victim...

1 March 2019

Victoria Police advises that there has been an increasing number of burglaries and thefts targeted at motor mechanic workshops throughout the Melbourne metropolitan area where tools, vehicles and cash are being targeted.

The common pattern in these incidents is that offenders are using vehicles to ram-raid roller doors and fences to gain access to premises. The offending is generally taking place overnight between the hours of 1am to approximately 5am.

It is highly likely that offenders will focus on workshops with limited security, due to the relative ease involved.

In acknowledgement of this current trend, Victoria Police is requesting VACC members take the time to ‘target harden’ their premises and educate their staff about this current trend.

It is also recommended that owners increase their security measures, including but not limited to:

·         Installing bollards where applicable

·         Installing CCTV cameras which have instant access to the owners’ mobile phone. This allows police to respond more effectively to 000 calls and helps identify offenders

·         Installing a monitored alarm

·         Installing good quality three-hinged security doors

·         Installing external sensor lights

·         Engraving and marking tools with ‘V’ and a Victorian licence number, and recording and photographing them. This allows police to return tools if located and simplifies insurance claims.