Do you park your car in a secure underground carpark? Take note!
A significant increase in the theft of and from cars parked “securely” in Melbourne underground apartment blocks has prompted authorities to issue a serious warning to residents, with police urging apartment dwellers to exercise much greater caution when parking their car.
Boroondara Inspector Steve Frost insisted residents need to “lock up their cars and take belongings with them just like you would when parked on the street”.
The common misconception is that if you’re parked securely underground, your car is safe from crime. This is evidently not the case, with theft events climbing through the roof right across greater Melbourne.
Another reason to take extra care and lock up is your insurance policy wording. It may come as a surprise, but if your car is broken into whilst parked in a secure carpark, don’t assume that your Strata building policy will cover you for damage of your vehicle and/or theft of your contents.
Our advice is simple – if you do park your car in a secure carpark, avoid becoming complacent and always lock your car. Also be aware of your surroundings when entering and exiting the parking area to check if anyone is illegally gaining entry by taking advantage of the gate being left open.
To find out more and to read the full article published in the Herald Sun, please click here. To discuss an existing or new claim, please contact us on 1300 424 627.
This Whitbread insight article is not intended to be advice and you should not rely on it as a substitute for any form of advice. Please contact Whitbread Associates Pty Ltd ABN 69 005 490 228 Licence Number: 229092 trading as Whitbread Insurance Brokers for further information or refer to our website.
