Police in Burnie are encouraging Tasmanians to lock up their toolboxes and cars when left unattended.

Police are investigating several car burglaries over the past few weeks in the Burnie area.

“The targeted items have been power tools; people have parked their vehicles within a driveway or on the street and it has been established that either the vehicle or toolboxes have been unlocked,” said Detective Inspector Steve Jones.

“The old saying “lock it or lose it” is a valuable message to everyone,” he said.

“Incidents of theft can be prevented by reducing the opportunity.”

“If a car is locked and there are no visible items of value, a thief will usually move on.”

Tasmania Police encourages all car owners to:

• Avoid parking in public areas for long periods of time, especially overnight
• Remove all valuable items from your car
• Secure vehicles with an alarm, steering lock or immobiliser if possible
• Always keep car doors and windows locked
• Take tools inside overnight, even if the vehicle has a lockable canopy or toolbox
• Park in a well-lit area if parking on the street overnight; and
• Ensure car keys are kept out of sight.

Anyone with information about those responsible for the recent car burglaries should call police on 131 444, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously and quote Burnie CIB case 1065.