As part of Operation Medusa, undercover and uniform police will saturate Werribee, Hoppers Crossing and Laverton over coming months in a desperate bid to stem the rise.

As reported by the Banner on January 20, police said total thefts from cars at Werribee station were more than double the figure of December last year.

Senior Constable Luke Bristow of the transit safety division said the jump was a major concern.

"We're finding a majority of these incidents are happening Monday to Friday at any given time, with offenders targeting numberplates and GPS navigation units.

"We'll continue this operation until we see a noticeable reduction in these crimes, there's no specific end date."

Mobile phones and laptops were among other popular items stolen from cars.

On the first day of the operation on January 25, police arrested two people after they were caught attempting to break into a car at Werribee station.

A Laverton man and woman, both aged 22, will be charged on summons after they were linked to six thefts from cars.

Senior Constable Bristow warned potential offenders that police would be out in force. He encouraged commuters to remove their valuables from public view.

"Despite constant reminders from police, it's overwhelming this still happening so frequently. We need to start getting through to people that they're not immune to crime.

"Having to get your window fixed and the stress associated with it is simply not worth it."

Police also conducted Operation Safe Plate at Hoppers Crossing railway station last Wednesday.

Hundreds of commuters were handed a set of one-way security screws, which makes attempted theft of numberplates more difficult, acting as an effective deterrent against crime.

The program was also held at Werribee station late last month.

Information to Crime Stoppers, 1800333000 or visit their website here.