Recent crime figures in the Coolangatta Division have shown an increase in the number of stolen motor vehicles. Over the last three months these figures have increased from eight vehicles stolen in May 2015 to fifteen vehicles in July 2015.
However, analysis of the July figures reveals 33% of the vehicles stolen were opportunistic in nature and occurred at popular surf locations when drivers left their car keys in a conspicuous place when going for a swim or surf.
As a result vehicle owners are being urged to use alternative means to secure keys when entering the water. Some newer models of cars have keys with electronic components to allow for keyless entry.
These types of keys are not suitable to swim with. Police urge regular beach goers get a second key cut of a solid nature to allow the key to be secured on their person whilst swimming.
Having this second key cut is a small price to pay to save their private vehicle and belonging being stolen and in some instances never returned.
