MOUNT Gambier Police have again called for people to ensure their cars are locked at all times following offenders stealing a car on Saturday night and later torching it on the outskirts of the city.
The renewed call also follows three teenagers being arrested on Friday for stealing a Nissan utility, which was involved in a police pursuit.
Police are investigating the theft of a Holden Berlina from a Kurrajong Street address between 6pm and 10pm on Saturday.
According to police, the car was later found burnt out on Bentley Road at Glenburnie, which is flanked by pine plantations.
“Police are furthering their inquiries, but have no suspects at this time,” a police spokesperson said yesterday.
Police have reminded people to lock their cars and conceal valuables given the majority of car-related theft was opportunistic crimes.
“People are making it too easy for car thieves,” a spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, police have arrested three teenagers in relation to a stolen vehicle.
Just after 3am on Thursday, Mount Gambier patrols located an abandoned stolen Nissan sedan on Wehl Street in Mount Gambier.
A short time later a blue Nissan Navara utility was reported stolen from Howland Street Mount Gambier.
The stolen ute was seen moments later in Brownes Road, where an occupant was seen running from the vehicle into a house.
According to police, the stolen ute then accelerated away with police pursuing the vehicle towards Millicent before the pursuit was terminated due to safety reasons.
Police patrols re-attended the Brownes Road house and arrested and charged a 17-year-old girl for illegal use of a motor vehicle.
Investigations on the stolen ute continued with the vehicle tracked through several petrol thefts at Millicent, Tailem Bend, Prospect and Naracoorte.
Police patrols located the vehicle back at Brownes Road at Mount Gambier, where two teenage boys were arrested.
The two youths from Mount Gambier and Millicent were charged with illegal use of a motor vehicle, theft, unlawful possession and engaging in a police pursuit.
According to a statement, the two boys have been refused police bail and appeared in the Mount Gambier Youth Court.
The teenage girl has been bailed to appear in court at a later date.
People who have any information on the stolen car should contact Crime Stoppers SA on 1800 333 000.
