Several homes have been robbed and four cars stolen during an overnight crime spree in Port Fairy.

Detective Senior Constable Richard Hughes, of the Warrnambool police crime investigation unit, said multiple offenders were believed to be involved in an “unprecedented” crime wave on Monday night.

He said offences included motor vehicle theft, attempted motor vehicle theft, theft from a motor vehicle and aggravated burglary. 

“This comes as a timely reminder, not only for residents of Port Fairy but for anyone, anywhere,” he said.

“Do not leave your car unlocked, do not leave your wallet or valuables inside a car and do not leave your house unlocked at night. 

“It doesn’t matter where you live or how safe you may think you are, if you don’t take precautions then all you are doing is inviting trouble into your home and you will become another statistic.

“The days of leaving your home and car unlocked are over.” 

The spate of crimes occurred at properties in Singleton Street, Jehu Street, Brophy Street, Anna Catherine Drive, Reardon Street, Mills Crescent, O'Reilly Street and Corbett Street. 

A 2009 Toyota Hilux ute, with registration XJT908, was stolen from a Mills Crescent property after offenders entered through an unlocked door and grabbed the keys from a kitchen bench. 

The victim was asleep at the time. 

A 2006 Lexus, with registration ZQQ 448, was stolen after offenders gained entry to a Corbett Street home.

An unlocked 2011 Ford, with registration YJV 708, was stolen from Singleton Street.

The vehicles are still outstanding. 

A blue 2004 ford falcon, with registration ZHJ407, was stolen from Anne Catherine Drive and later found dumped in Melford Drive with minimal damage.

Detective Senior Constable Hughes said an attempted motor vehicle theft was reported at Reardon Street.

“The vehicle was unlocked and parked outside of the property,” he said. 

A Peugeot sedan, Volkswagen Polo sedan, Nissan X Trail, Mazda and Kia Rio were broken into and ransacked. 

Items stolen included wallets, credit cards, cash and a pair of Tony Bianco ladies sunglasses. 

Detective Senior Constable Hughes said police were appealing for public information. 

“If you know about this or you have seen any suspicious people driving or walking around the streets of Port Fairy, please let us know,” he said. 

“These crimes have occurred in the middle of the night and are unprecedented for this area.”

The incident comes just two weeks after a weekend-long crime wave that saw several motor vehicles stolen and torched across Warrnambool. 

A 19-year-old male was arrested on October 14 and charged with a spate of offences including two counts of attempted thefts of vehicles, four thefts of cars, three thefts from vehicles, one deception for using a stolen credit card, a burglary at the Dennington Bowls Club, evading police while leaving the scene of that break-in and two counts of arson relating to the torching of two cars.

Detective Senior Constable Hughes said the incidents were not linked. 

Anyone with information or CCTV footage is urged to call Warrnambool police on 5560 1333 or Crime Stoppers.

Earlier, 10.30am:

Thieves have gone on an overnight crime spree in Port Fairy. 

Warrnambool police Sergeant Andy Raven said police had received several reports of stolen cars and houses robbed overnight on Monday.

“There appears to have been a number of home burglaries as well as theft from motor vehicles overnight,” he said.

“There has also been reports of several stolen motor vehicles. The exact number is not known. We are still receiving calls now.”

Sergeant Raven said burglaries had occurred in Brophy Street, Mills Crescent and Anna Catherine Drive.

“The crime scene investigation van is out with CIU now,” he said. 

“We are still waiting for more information. Anyone with information or CCTV footage is urged to call Warrnambool police on 5560 1333 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

More to come.