THERE has been a spike in stealing from motor vehicles around Granville and Guildford railway stations over the festive season while in Parramatta, the offence is under control, police report.

The carpark near Granville station. PICTURE: JOHN APPLEYARD

Rosehill police are warning motorists to lock their cars and hide valuables such as GPS navigators, laptop computers and mobile telephones after a spike in vehicle break-ins.

Acting local area commander Det Insp Garry Sims said stealing from motor vehicles had increased over the past three months, especially in carparks around Granville and Guildford railway stations.

“This has been happening over the past three months and particularly over the holiday period,’’ Det Insp Sims said.

“We are finding car owners and users have become quite careless when it comes to theft prevention. I urge people to secure their vehicle and to immediately report anything suspicious.’’

Det Insp Sims said thieves broke into cars when they could see valuables, such as iPods in consoles or laptops on seats.

“They often find cars unlocked but they will smash windows if they can see valuables clearly,’’ he said.

“We are relying on the public to report suspicious activity.’’

But, in Parramatta, policing of car break-ins has been easier as they have been concentrated in Westfield shopping centre carpark.

Parramatta crime manager Det Insp Dave Egan-lee said co-operation between police and Westfield security had helped in the drop in break-ins in the carpark.

“Last month, we had 28 break-ins in cars in Parramatta, compared to 41 in November,’’ Det Insp Egan-lee said.