By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
REPORTS of car thefts in Geelong have jumped 26 per cent, according to new figures.
National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council recorded an increase from 112 in the third quarter of 2012 to 141 for the same time last year.
The council counted 620 vehicle thefts in Geelong and the Surf Coast in the 12 months to September 30.
The top three suburbs for car thefts during the period were Geelong with 64, Norlane, 47, and Belmont, 46.
The top three local targets were VT Holden Commodores, KH Ford Lasers and X3 Hyundai Excels.
High-performance cars were twice as likely to be stolen than standard counterparts in the region, the council’s latest report indicated.
The council warned that thieves were now breaking into houses to steal car keys.
The thieves were stealing keys to make off with newer models so they could get around their advanced anti-theft devices, the council said.
More information on preventing car theft is available at carsafe.com.au.
