Police are reminding the community of the importance of locking their homes, after two brothers were taken into police custody following a series of crimes on the Eastern Shore over the past week.

Investigators allege the brothers, aged 17 and 19, were responsible for stealing several vehicles from the Howrah and Bellerive areas as well as entering an unlocked home whilst the occupants were asleep to locate keys to a car which was later stolen.

“These arrests are a timely reminder of the importance of ensuring your home is locked even when at home, to prevent being the victim of burglary,” said Detective Sergeant Felicity Boyd from Bellerive CIB. 

“People should be able to leave their homes and cars unlocked but the reality is an unlocked house or vehicle is a target for offenders, who are often opportunistic.” 

Investigators also allege that the 17-year-old, who does not hold a driver licence, actively evaded police yesterday afternoon in one of the stolen cars and drove dangerously along the East Derwent Highway between Gagebrook and the Risdon Vale round-a-bout forcing many road users to take evasive action to avoid a collision. 

The stolen car – identified as a white Mitsubishi Triton dual cab ute – was observed travelling at excessive speeds on the incorrect side of the highway and crashed into the passenger side of a Mitsubishi ASX travelling on the correct side of the highway. Thankfully, the occupant of this vehicle was not injured, however the vehicle sustained damage.

Anyone who witnessed the Triton on the East Derwent Highway around 1:30pm yesterday afternoon or who may have dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 131 444.

The 19-year-old was remanded in custody to appear at a later date, and the 17-year-old will appear before the Youth Justice Court today.