The rise of thefts across the Armadale area has urged police to remind residents to secure their belongings and ensure identifications are up to date.
According to police statistics, thefts across Armadale Police Station’s covered suburbs have reached 1,299 this year to date, an increase of almost 14 per cent from last year.
The worst hit suburb is Hilbert, which has seen an increase of 39.5 per cent in thefts from last year – 106 thefts in the suburb this year so far.
Armadale Police acting senior sergeant Marc Cuthbertson said thefts, especially bicycle and scooter thefts, is a constant concern for local police.
“Armadale Police regularly seize stolen bicycles from suspects weekly but unfortunately we are often unable to match these items to owners due to a lack of identifying features,” he said.
“By taking simple steps, such as photographing your bicycle and its serial number and keeping those images on your smart phone and engraving your bicycle with your driver’s licence number, you can make it immensely easier for police to track down owners.”
Police have also urged residents to ensure their property is properly secured, including the use of bike locks.
“By far, the most effective method of securing your bicycle is to use a ‘U-Lock’,” senior sergeant Cuthbertson said.
“The WA Police Force and Neighbourhood Watch are partnering to offer free bicycle U-Locks at crime prevention events across the metropolitan area.”
Residents are able to record the details of their bicycles at nationalbikeregister.com.au.
