ARARAT - Victoria Police in the Wimmera, Grampians and Southern Mallee areas conducted Operation SNIPA during the months of March and April.
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The operation was initiated to reduce incidents of thefts from motor vehicles across this policing Division, where the vehicle was left unlocked or equipment left unattended in trays of utes or trailers.
"Much effort was put in by your local police to advise the community of preventative measures and investigate such incidents," crime prevention officer Leading Senior Constable Eddy MacDonald said.
"Perhaps you were one of the many persons spoken to by police, this may have been in the way of a friendly chat, advice or even a warning, you may have been provided with an advice pamphlet or crime prevention letter, or you may have been served with a penalty notice.
"If you were any one of these, I hope the message was made loud and clear of the importance to secure your vehicle and belongings, I also hope that you will pass this message onto others in our communities."
LSC MacDonald said the strong message to secure vehicles and belongings remains the same.
"While together police and the community did achieve good results to reduce incidents of theft from motor vehicles during the Operation SNIPA, there is still a need to improve our awareness of the likelihood of opportunistic thieves in our communities," he said.
"To those that ensure their vehicles are locked and belongings secured, well done."
This policing Division saw a high of 18 incidents in July 2013 gradually decreasing to 11 in March and to 9 in April 2014.
LSC MacDonald said this shows that although there has been a reduction in offences, thefts from unlocked motor vehicles continue to occur.
Police will continue to maintain the aims of Operation SNIPA and equally expect that the community will continue to support safety in the community.
LSC MacDonald said safety and crime prevention in the community is everyone's responsibility - there are no excuses.
If you have information on crime or see suspicious behaviour, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or your local Police.
For more information on crime prevention contact Leading Senior Constable Eddy MacDonald at Ararat Police (03) 5355 1500
