Drivers who park in their home's driveway have been warned to bolster their security due to a jump in vehicle thefts.
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There were 21,400 vehicle thefts or attempted thefts in Victoria in the 12 months to March 2024, according to the insurer RACV.
That's a 22 per cent increase compared to the previous year and the organisation says there was also an 18.6 per cent rise in items stolen from inside vehicles over that time.
Thefts often occur in residential driveways and carports even when they are in plain sight of homes, according to RACV general manager motoring products Jeff Ames.
He said burglars who break into a car to steal possessions that are easily visible from outside will often try to steal the entire vehicle.
"Unfortunately, just because your car is parked at home in a driveway doesn't mean it's completely safe so don't forgot to lock the doors, wind up windows, and ensure nothing valuable is in plain sight," Mr Ames said.
Number plates are the most commonly stolen items as they can be attached to stolen cars and used in crimes like ram raids or other burglaries, he warned.
The RACV suggests owners install anti-theft screws to their numberplates, remove all valuables like dashcams from cars before parking, keep vehicles in locked garages if possible and make sure their insurance is up to date.
Australian Associated Press
