Police will start foot patrols in more areas across the city to reduce the amount of robberies from car parks and from outside people’s homes.

Bendigo Constable Emma Gibbons said officers would be focusing on unlocked cars.

“Over 50 per cent of vehicles broken into were left unlocked,” she said.

“We’ve seen a rise in the number of people having valuables stolen from their car.”

In the week between January 30 and February 5, there were 21 thefts from motor vehicles recorded in Bendigo.

For January there was a total of 57 thefts.

But in December, when Bendigo police first trialled their foot patrols, there were only 28 thefts for the month.

Constable Gibbons said it was clear the proactive approach had worked.

“We’ve been succesful in the period before Christmas, in reducing thefts,” she said. “Having the police presence worked and so we’ll be patrolling further around Bendigo over the year.”

Police will be leaving flyers on people’s windscreens if they find a car that’s left unlocked.

They’ve also warned that leaving your vehicle unlocked could result in a fine of about $100. “It’s an offence under the Road Rules Victoria,” Constable Gibbons said.

“But we’re trying to be more proactive, issuing warnings, so it’s very rare we’ll give out fines.”

Constable Gibbons said mobile phones and handbags were the most common items stolen from cars.

“I’ve seen cars unlocked, windows down, with laptops on the back seats. It’s important that people remember to take their valuables to take away the chance of theft.”