Community Announcement

Thefts at Perth Cemeteries

Car parks at cemeteries across the metropolitan area face the same issues as public car parks at beaches, parks, shopping centres and, in effect, any public open space . Put simply, they continue to be targeted by thieves seeking cash and other valuables from vehicles that are left unattended. Generally this is whilst the owner/s of the vehicle attend a service or visit a grave/memorial.

Crime at Perth cemeteries tends to be opportunistic and random rather than calculated or well planned. The vast majority of people who report incidents tend to have left valuables either unattended in their vehicles and, in many instances, clearly visible to those who choose to look into the vehicle.

Offenders consistently appear to target vehicles in which valuables are on display.

The Board reiterates its requests to visitors that they NOT leave valuables unattended in their vehicles and asks that all people visiting the cemetery ensure that they minimise the risk of theft by not leaving these items unattended or by not bringing them to the cemetery in the first instance.

Visitors to ALL cemeteries are reminded to:

- Not leave cash or valuables in their vehicles
- Ensure that vehicles are locked and security systems (where fitted) are activated
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash that will be left unattended or could place the holder in a compromised circumstance.

Members of the public are asked to report any suspicious persons, vehicle registrations or incidences of theft to Police on 131 444.