Gold Coast police are urging vehicle-owners to ensure their cars are secure, including their log/service books, after identifying that offenders are targeting them.
Investigations have established that a number of vehicle log/service books contain:
- a valet key, which can be used to unlock/start the vehicle;
- a QR code, which can be used to enter the vehicle;
- a PIN code and/or VIN & registration numbers which may be used to obtain a duplicate set of keys.
Further analysis shows that, often, these offences occur when a vehicle, parked on the street or in a driveway, is left unsecured said Senior Sergeant Bruce Tracey from the Gold Coast District Crime Prevention Unit;
"Most people don't realise the large amount of information that is contained in log/service books and that it can greatly assist an offender to steal a vehicle"
To prevent your vehicle being stolen or unlawfully entered, owners can adopt security measures which include:
- always locking the vehicle including the boot and sunroof;
- whenever possible use off-street, secured parking; and
- securing the log/service books away from the vehicle.
For more information: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-08/Vehicle%20Security%20-%20English.pdf
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
