{"id":239736,"date":"2019-07-16T13:59:36","date_gmt":"2019-07-16T03:59:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=239736"},"modified":"2020-07-18T18:47:22","modified_gmt":"2020-07-18T08:47:22","slug":"police-urge-use-of-gps-trackers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2019\/07\/16\/police-urge-use-of-gps-trackers\/","title":{"rendered":"Police Urge Use Of GPS Trackers"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Most stolen vehicles are eventually recovered … but what condition will they be in?
(Photo: Submitted)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

July 16, 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

Police are encouraging owners to consider installing GPS trackers in their vehicles after a surge in thefts across Queensland.<\/p>\n

A total of 16,322 cars, motorcycles and trucks were reported stolen in the State last financial year, up from 14,133 during the previous period.<\/p>\n

Acting Senior Sergeant Lee Fortune said in the majority of cases, thieves had easily tracked down keys in homes and businesses before stealing vehicles from garages and driveways.<\/p>\n

\u201cPolice are continuing to see vehicles being stolen either opportunistically where the vehicle is left unsecured or through burglaries where keys are quickly located,\u201d Acting Snr Sgt Fortune said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are encouraging vehicle owners to take a moment to think about their current security measures and whether they could be improved to reduce the risk of having their vehicle stolen.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis could be as simple as keeping your keys in a hidden location within your home rather than in plain sight and ensuring your vehicle, home and business is secured at all times.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

On average, three-quarters of all stolen vehicles are recovered, but in varying conditions.<\/p>\n

Acting Snr Sgt Fortune said owners of trucks and high-end vehicles should consider installing GPS devices which help police safely track down stolen vehicles.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is a range of GPS tracking technology available to motorists which allows police to quickly locate vehicles if they are stolen,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have seen many occasions where owners have provided police with GPS details, allowing officers to locate the stolen vehicle and arrest the offenders without dangerous pursuits and damage to the vehicle.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Top 5 strategies to protect your vehicle:<\/strong><\/p>\n

1. Always keep your vehicle locked and secured \u2013 even if you are only leaving it for a moment.<\/p>\n

2. Keep the keys to your vehicle in a hidden location \u2013 not on the kitchen bench or a key rack.<\/p>\n

3. Remove all valuables from the vehicle<\/p>\n

4. Consider installing a steering wheel lock, car alarm or immobiliser<\/p>\n

5. Consider installing a GPS tracking device with live monitoring<\/p>\n

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