mmg.com.au

Police are warning residents across the district to lock their cars and properties to help curb the number of recent petty thefts.

Senior Sergeant Troy Hargadon of Kyabram said a number of incidents had been reported from towns across the region.

‘‘In most instances vehicles have been left unlocked with items clearly visible on seats, therefore making the thief’s job easy,’’ he said.

‘‘The emphasis is on trying to change people’s mindset and not let them just think, ‘It won’t happen to me’.’’

Sen Sgt Hargadon said the days of leaving vehicles and properties unlocked overnight or when unattended were gone.

‘‘Both town and rural properties are being affected by this and we all need to think about how we secure our possessions,’’ he said.

■A single bottle of liquor worth $250 was stolen from Fishers IGA in Kyabram about 10.45am yesterday.

Two men, estimated to be in their early to mid-30s, allegedly carried out the robbery with one acting as lookout while the other removed the bottle from the store.

Police believe they may have driven away in a white vehicle displaying a ‘‘for sale’’ notice.

■A Stanhope man was intercepted while driving through Kyabram on February 15.

He failed a preliminary breath test and then refused to accompany police back to Kyabram Police Station for a second breath test.

He will be summonsed to appear in court at later date and faces a mandatory two-year disqualification of his driver’s licence.

■Anyone with information relating to any offence is asked to phone Kyabram police on 58531777 or Crimestoppers on 1800333000.