Thieves target rural locations due to a general lack of security implemented by the owners.

Barwon LAC crime manager, Detective Inspector Tim Beattie said: “Having your keys in the ignition is the best way to lose your vehicle.

“Unfortunately, it's a story too often repeated – keys left in the vehicle or stored in plain view make it far too easy for criminals to make off with your vehicle and an essential part of any farm’s livelihood.”

Toyota Landcruiser owners in particular are asked to secure their vehicles, with Inspector Beattie saying these vehicles are currently the vehicle of choice for local car thieves.

Police urge locals to employ simple crime prevention strategies such as:

• Keep your keys on you during the day, and lock them away at night. Most thefts are opportunistic, the easier it is to take, the more likely it will be.

• Ensure vehicles are securely locked when not in use - you may only be away for five minutes but that's all it takes.

• Make yourself known to any visitors on the property.

While rural landholders are being targeted, residents in town are not immune from the problems. Inspector Beattie said more than 70 per cent of vehicles stolen in the Barwon command over the last two years were stolen from residential areas.

The most important rule of securing your vehicle is to always keep it locked. Many thieves have admitted that they look for cars that are unlocked, or have their windows rolled down.

Criminals will be more likely to steal a vehicle they can get without trouble over a more expensive car that they would have to break into.

Keep in mind to never leave anything a criminal might want in a visible area such as the back seat or floor – don't draw attention to your vehicle and make it seem more appealing.