Police are urging quad bike owners to remove the keys from their vehicles or store them inside a lockable shed.
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The warning comes after a 21-year-old Pitfield man and a teenager were charged with stealing more goods worth more than $60,000 in the Corangamite and Moyne areas, including six quad bikes.
Victoria police Senior Constable Paul Heywood said in all incidents keys were left in the ignition at the time of them being stolen.
"Police have been working hard to identify those responsible for the thefts including increasing proactive patrols in high-risk areas," he said.
"However it's a timely reminder to be vigilant in securing your property.
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"I urge locals to remove keys from all vehicles and if possible to lock them. Small vehicles such as quad bikes should be stored inside a lockable shed.
"Police understand that rural living comes with an increased sense of safety and while this is an overwhelming safe community you simply cannot assume your property will be respected and not stolen.
"Thefts like this are inconvenient and impact the victim's farming activities."
Police continue to investigate a number of incidents involving stolen quad bikes which have occurred over the past six months.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Cobden Police Station on 55951 550 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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