Man to face court accused of targeting more than 40 vehicles in ‘prolific’ stealing spree across Narrogin

A 31-year-old man allegedly targeted more than 40 vehicles in four months during a massive stealing spree across town. Narrogin police have charged the man with 14 counts of stealing, four counts of attempted stealing, and one count of gaining benefit by fraud for offences he is alleged to have committed between December and March. Police said most of the vehicles targeted by the offender were unlocked. Officers have been able to recover and return most of the items that were allegedly stolen. Narrogin officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt John Bouwman said the arrest was made on the back of information from residents, witness statements and CCTV footage. “There was a lot of work to piece it all together,” Sen. Sgt Bouwman said. “It’s a good result — a co-operative effort between police and the community. “He was prolific. “He went through cars and helped himself. “Most of the cars were unlocked and valuables left inside. “The number (of offences) is high because he accessed so many unlocked cars and was able to get so much. It was easy for him to do.” Police have alleged the man entered more than 40 vehicles during his crime spree. Sen. Sgt Bouwman said the arrest served as a timely reminder to residents to keep their valuables locked away. “People may think they live in a quiet country town and they can leave their car unlocked,” he said. “Unfortunately, times have changed. We need to secure our valuables. “For some of the victims, it’s the nuisance of losing your wallet and having to cancel your cards and get new ones. “That is an inconvenience, but it can be prevented by locking away these items.” The man was charged on March 4 and released on conditional bail. He is due to face Narrogin Magistrate’s Court on March 23.