Gina Field, founder of Nepean Regional Security, recently joined Clinton on Sydney’s 2GB radio to address growing community concerns about opportunistic theft targeting homes and vehicles across Sydney suburbs. The conversation was prompted by listener reports of a pattern of late-night break-ins on the northern beaches, where offenders were methodically checking unlocked cars and front doors in the early hours of the morning.
While acknowledging the heightened awareness on social media, Gina offered important context: car theft figures across New South Wales have remained relatively stable at around 15,000 vehicles per year. She attributed much of the perceived spike to residents becoming more vocal online, which — while useful for community awareness — doesn’t necessarily reflect a sharp increase in actual incidents. That said, she was clear that 40 cars stolen per day remains 40 too many, and that complacency around basic security measures continues to leave properties unnecessarily vulnerable.
One of Gina’s most important points centred on key storage. While many community posts have advised keeping car keys close by at night, Gina cautioned against leaving keys in the bedroom. If an offender enters the home searching for keys, the situation can escalate quickly and unpredictably. Her recommendation is to store keys out of plain sight — away from the front door — and to use a signal-blocking pouch or even aluminium foil to prevent relay theft, where criminals remotely intercept the key’s signal to clone access.
Gina also touched on a range of practical, cost-effective security measures suited to the current cost-of-living climate. These include motion-activated lighting, path lighting, padlocked side gates, and simply ensuring that both front and back doors are locked — a step that, surprisingly, 22% of Australians still overlook. On the topic of security cameras and AirTags, she noted their value while clarifying that AirTags operate via Bluetooth rather than GPS, meaning their usefulness for vehicle tracking has limitations, though they can still alert owners when a car has been moved.
Gina also flagged a rising trend in fuel theft, particularly the siphoning of diesel from construction sites — a direct consequence of escalating fuel prices. As a business owner running 14 security vehicles herself, it’s a concern she understands firsthand. Her broader message was straightforward: you don’t need to spend a lot to meaningfully improve your security. Awareness, simple habits, and a few affordable measures go a long way in deterring opportunistic offenders.
