Terang Sergeant Danny Brown said opportunistic thieves stole a motor vehicle with the keys left in the ignition and other items from inside cars during a crime spree on Monday night.

"All of the targeted vehicles were left unlocked," he said.

"Unfortunately if you leave your vehicle unlocked and valuables inside, you're giving villains a smorgasbord of stuff to steal."

Sergeant Brown said offenders entered a property in Swanston Street sometime after 1am, removed a car cover and inside an unregistered black Holden Commodore sedan (registration ECURB) found the keys in the ignition.

The vehicle was stolen and has not be recovered.

Sergeant Brown said the offenders then moved onto another house in Swanston Street where they rummaged through two unlocked vehicles.

Nothing was stolen.

"They've then gone to Baynes Street, located another unlocked car and stolen a purse, a bank card and the keys which were left in the ignition," Sergeant Brown said

"It's really opportunistic offending that could have been avoided.

"For those lucky enough not to be targeted, we urge them to please lock up tonight."

Sergeant Brown urged the community to take responsibility for their property.

"Simple things like locking your car and your back door and bringing you valuables inside really contributes to a low crime rate in a small community like Terang," he said.

He said Terang police members would this week engage the community in crime prevention regarding thefts from and thefts of motor vehicles.

Anyone with information should contact Terang police or Crime Stoppers.

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