Police arrested a 20-year-old Wanniassa man on Saturday 22 August for stealing a car and personal belongings.
The man is scheduled to face the ACT Magistrates Court today charged with theft and taking a motor vehicle without consent.
ACT Policing will allege the man used a dating app to meet his victim at a Narrabundah hotel on Wednesday 5 August, where he stole a Toyota Camry and a number of personal items.
Police believe the man may be linked to further offences and more charges may be laid.
Man to face court linked to multiple defrosting car thefts
On Friday night, 21 August, ACT Policing attended an Amaroo address and arrested a 37-year-old man.
The man faced the ACT Magistrates Court on Saturday on burglary and multiple driving offences.
About 3pm on Tuesday 4 August, a residence in Bonner was broken into and a black bag was taken.
A man was seen leaving the property in a black BMW SUV which matched the description of a vehicle reported stolen on Saturday 1 August while the vehicle was defrosting in the driveway. Registration plates on the BMW also matched those stolen from a Toyota Corolla in Mawson on Sunday 2 August.
On Saturday 8 August, CCTV footage showed the man driving a blue Honda Civic which had also been reported stolen while defrosting from Franklin earlier that morning.
The man will face charges including:
- Burglary
- Using a plate or label calculated to deceive
- Two counts of driving a motor vehicle without consent
- Two counts of driving while disqualified
The arrest comes after a recent reminder from police about the dangers of leaving a vehicle unattended while defrosting.
Ice-scrapers are an inexpensive way to quickly and safety clear frost from your vehicle.
A blanket can also be used to cover your windscreen to prevent ice from forming or alternatively you can pour lukewarm (never boiling) water over the frozen parts of your vehicle.
Warning on car safety and security this winter
Driving without visibility is an offence and motorists must ensure their vehicle is frost-free before starting their journey however leaving a car unattended with the engine running presents the perfect opportunity for theft.
ACT Policing has already received seven reports of cars stolen after being left to defrost with the keys in the ignition.
Detective Inspector Mark Rowswell of Community Safety said motorists needed to keep security in mind while defrosting their cars.
“While clearing the frost from your car is important, you should never leave a running vehicle unattended or unsecured,” Detective Inspector Rowswell said.
“Ice-scrapers are an inexpensive way to quickly and safety clear frost from you vehicle. You could also cover your windscreen with a blanket overnight or pour lukewarm (never boiling) water over the frozen parts of your vehicle.
“Every year when the cold weather causes a build-up of frost or fog, ACT Policing attend numerous collisions that have occurred as a result of drivers having poor visibility out of their vehicles.
“While it may add a few minutes to your morning commute, defrosting your car will ensure a safer journey for you and other motorists on Canberra’s roads this winter.”
Drivers should also be aware of black ice which can form on clear and cold days following a day of rain as surplus moisture on the roads freezes over.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious or unusual activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the website. Information can be provided anonymously.
In the event of vehicle damage or theft, contact Police on 131 444 and provide:
- registration number
- make
- model
- colour
- distinguishing features
- time and place of the offence.
Vehicle and home security tips can be found on the ACT Policing website.
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