After numerous sightings of burnt-out cars and increased social media conversation reporting car theft and items stolen from cars, local police have provided some up to date information to the Lismore App.

Read more on the Lismore App about recently sighted burnt out cars

During the month of October, 12 motor vehicles were reported stolen in the Lismore area. Two vehicles were abandoned and seven vehicle fires were reported.

Read more news: Police release images of burnt-out car after earlier carjacking

Richmond Police District's Superintendent Scott Tanner and his crew from Richmond Police District have been dealing with these incidents.

Despite the numbers looking high, Supt Tanner told the Lismore App they are actually decreasing - and most stolen vehicles are taken from people’s homes.

“The majority of vehicles stolen from Lismore occur from residential addresses with the vehicles being unlocked at the time and keys in the vehicle. This makes it very easy for thieves to take the cars,” Supt Tanner said.

“The crime of stolen motor vehicles is largely opportunistic, that is the thief walks along trying car doors until he finds one that is unlocked,” he added.

“To make it harder for thieves a few simple steps is all that is required - lock your vehicle, never leave keys, even a spare set, in your vehicle. Don’t have valuable items such as phones, computerware etc visible within your car. This entices thieves to break in as they can readily on-sell such items,” Supt Tanner explained.

The Superintendent said Goonellabah is the area most prone to stolen vehicles and that police don’t believe there is a link between these recent vehicle-related crimes.

No arrests have yet been made.