POLICE are urging residents to be “vigilant” following several cases of burglary, property damage and theft in secure underground car parks in Braddon, Turner, Lyneham and O’Conner recently.

Police say the thefts are happening during the hours of darkness, mostly between 2.30am and 4.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Items stolen so far include laptops and cameras, bikes, mag wheels, tools and spare change.

Superintendent Brett Kidner says opportunistic thieves often use a resident’s car entering through a security car park door to conceal their illegal entry.

“By sneaking under a security door as it shuts, thieves will look to steal anything valuable they can find inside, including house keys or electronic swipe cards which they can use to access the same location again,” Superintendent Kidner says.

“The best defence for residents against these offenders is to be exceptionally vigilant when driving in or out of their car park. If you see anyone acting suspiciously near the car park security door, or entering without authorisation, contact Police Operations on 131-444.”

Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in these areas, no matter how small the information is should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers website at www.act.crimestoppers.com.au.