In the early hours of Monday morning three vehicles were stolen within six hours, two just a half hour apart.

Police say one of the standout factors is that older vehicles which do not have modern security systems were targeted.

“Earlier model vehicles are easy picking for thieves, so if you have an older vehicle take extra precautions,” said Acting Inspector Michael White of Orange police.

“Extra precautions such as parking your car in the driveway, under a light, and locking it even if it is in a garage is a good idea,” he said.

He said the usual deterrent of cold weather hasn’t put off car thieves.

Two of the vehicles stolen on Monday were early model Holden Commodores dating back to the early 1990s.

The first reported to police was a 1991 red Holden Commodore stolen from Attunga Place between 1am and 7am.

The second vehicle, a 1992 Holden Commodore was stolen about 4.30am from a property in Torulosa Way after the thief went on to the property and smashed a window of the vehicle .

The owner heard the noise and when he went outside to investigate, the vehicle was being driven away.

Just half an hour later at 5am thieves struck again, this time in Wahratta Way where they targeting a later model - a 2006 Toyota Hilux.

Once again the owner of the vehicle heard the car being started and ran outside, but it was too late as the thief drove off.

The vehicle stolen from Torulosa Way is the only one which has been recovered so far and it was later found with slight damage at Glenroi Oval.

“We will carry out forensic tests on the vehicle including fingerprinting to progress our investigation,” Inspector White said.

Orange  Repco manager Danielle Taylor said while the store no longer sells immobilisers, steering wheel locks are an option for people with an older vehicle who want to take extra precautions.

“We have a few different ones and while we don’t sell a lot of them, they are a good way for people to protect their vehicles from being stolen,” she said.

Inspector White said police are appealing to anyone who may have been in the areas where the vehicles were stolen and may be able to provide any helpful information to call Orange police on 63636399.