A LAUNCESTON teenager who allegedly stole two cars in two days after receiving bail on other motor vehicle stealing charges was back on the streets after two nights in custody.
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Another was bailed to return to a program designed to rehabilitate car thieves.
Detective Inspector Scott Flude, of Launceston CIB, said each of the 17 people charged with stealing cars in Northern Tasmania since October 1 had received bail, despite some of them telling police that they intended to steal again.
"They just don't care, they just grab a car," Detective Inspector Flude said.
"There's plenty of cars around, they just find one, grab one and go."
He said it was "frustrating" for police to see people offend again so soon after they had been caught.
Detective Inspector Flude said three groups were believed to be behind the alleged theft of 41 cars in the North in the past six weeks, and police believed they had now charged "most if not all of the offenders".
Half of those charged were aged between 14 and 17, the others ranged from 18 to 24.
The number of reported motor vehicle thefts in the North this year stands at 106, compared with 122 for the same time last year.
Detective Inspector Flude said too many cars were taken because they were left unlocked with the keys in the ignition.
He said Subaru Liberty model cars have recently been targeted, and warned owners of such cars to be extra vigilant about security.