Authorities have issued a warning to residents who regularly sell goods on online marketplaces such as Facebook after an uptick in thefts and home invasions.
Western Australia Police issued the warning to Perth residents, explaining that seemingly innocent details could give thieves clues about where valuable goods are kept in their homes.
WA Police Joondalup District Acting Superintendent, Jayd Morawski, said offenders were showing a “blatant disregard” for the safety and well-being of victims.
In one recent incident in Perth’s northern suburbs, two men allegedly forced their way into a garage by manipulating its emergency release mechanism and manually opening the door.
“The woman was home with her children at the time and was understandably shaken and distressed by the incident,” Morawski said.
“No one should feel unsafe in their own home.”
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Motorcycles, bikes and e-scooters can be registered for free through BikeLinc, helping police reunite stolen property with its owners. Source: Getty Images
(imamember via Getty Images)
Two men were arrested and charged in relation to the incident, but police said it highlighted the lengths offenders were prepared to go to steal valuable property.
Officers are continuing targeted operations under Operation Takari, including proactive patrols, investigations and community engagement.
Sellers have been advised to avoid showing identifiable landmarks or features in online listing photos that could reveal their location.
Police also recommend avoiding the display or cleaning of high-value items, such as motorcycles, in areas visible from the street.
“WA Police maintains a zero-tolerance approach to this type of offending and continues to undertake targeted operations to disrupt and deter those responsible,” Morawski said.
“We also encourage the community to remain vigilant, be aware of the methods offenders are using, and take practical steps to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.”
Acting Superintendent Jayd Morawski has urged residents to remain vigilant when selling goods online. Source: ABC News/Samantha Goerling
Simple steps could reduce the risk
Police urge residents to secure valuable items and garages, consider tracking devices and meet online buyers in public rather than at home.
Sellers should also confirm payment before handing over goods and trust their instincts if something feels wrong.
Motorcycles, bicycles, e-scooters and e-bikes can be registered for free through BikeLinc to help police reunite stolen property with owners.
Anyone with information about motorcycle thefts, burglaries or suspicious activity can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.
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South Australian Police are urging tradies to check their sheds and toolboxes after suspected stolen Makita and DeWalt tools were recovered. Source: South Australia Police
Tool theft continues to hit tradies across Australia
The warning comes as police across Australia continue to deal with thefts of valuable equipment from tradies.
In NSW, a 30-year-old man was recently charged with 41 offences following an investigation into the alleged theft of about $60,000 worth of tools from vehicles across Sydney’s west.
Police seized 61 items, primarily power tools, during searches of properties in Smithfield and Canley Vale.
Meanwhile, South Australia Police have called on tradies to check their sheds and toolboxes after more than a dozen suspected stolen Makita and DeWalt tools were recovered from a storage unit.
The scale of the growing problem was also highlighted in Queensland, where police recorded more than 25,000 tool thefts during the 2024-25 financial year, with just 1,283 tools reunited with their owners.
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