Leading Senior Constable Craig McDonald of Werribee police said twice as many vehicles had already been broken into at the Werribee

railway station car park this month than in December last year.

"If we have more than doubled now, it could eventually be every car in the car park," he said.

Wyndham had 1094 reports of theft from vehicles in the 12 months from July 2008.

The thefts, believed to be committed by a small group of youths, occur during the day.

"People leave things in their cars - mobile phones, spare change, briefcases.

"You only have to walk though the car park to see valuables on the dashboard and seats. It is just a quick smash-and-grab."

He said it was simple to prevent theft: take all valuables when locking up the car.

"Leave nothing visible. People cover things up with a jacket but it's obvious something is being hidden."

He is appealing for comm-

uters to report loiterers in the car park.

"It is a public area. People would have to notice something suspicious."

Transit safety police this week targeted Werribee station as part of Operation Safe Plate. Motorists were handed sets of one-way security screws to help protect their number plates from theft.

Leading Senior Constable Peter Dole said it was an effective precaution.

"Theft of numberplates from vehicles within our local community continues to be an ongoing issue, especially at railway stations," he said.

Call Crime Stoppers on 1800333000 or visit www

.crimestoppers.com.au