Tasmania Police have charged three teenagers over the alleged theft of four motorcycles in Devonport this week.
Two boys – aged 16 and 17 – face four counts each of motor vehicle stealing and one count of unlicensed driving.
A second 17-year-old has been arrested, with charges pending.
Detectives recovered three of the stolen bikes after searches in the Devonport and Wynyard areas.
The charges come amid a surge in vehicle crime across Tasmania’s western police district.
Police say there have been 42 car burglaries in the region over the past month – 29 in Devonport and 13 in Burnie.
In many cases, vehicles were left unlocked or had windows open.
“The message is simple: Lock your vehicles, lock your doors and windows, remove valuables and keep keys out of sight,” police said.
Police are urging people to report suspicious activity by calling 131 444 or triple-zero (000) in emergencies.
Information about crimes can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
