Hannah Hammoud
A spate of arrests in relation to a series of home invasions in Brimbank has led one councillor to call for an increased police presence in the area.
On January 20, five people were charged with more than 140 offences following a series of home invasions in Melbourne’s west last year. The home invasions were in Albanvale, Keilor Park, Altona Meadows, Sunshine, Braybrook, King Park, Deer Park, Delahey and St Albans.
Following an extensive investigation, five men were charged.
Three men, aged 18, were each charged with about 30 offences each including multiple counts of aggravated home invasion, burglary, theft of motor car and intentionally causing injury.
Two teens, aged 16 and 17, were charged with more than 45 offences including aggravated home invasion and theft of motor car.
Brimbank councillor Virginia Tachos said the recent attacks, coupled with rising crime statistics, has left the community feeling increasingly unsafe. Crime Statistics Agency data revealed criminal offences increased 3.1 per cent in the 12 months to September.
“There is a general feeling of people feeling really afraid,” Cr Tachos said.
“The crime statistics are up, but police numbers are down and continuing to fall. When I’ve met with residents in Brimbank they tell me that they’re terrified of home invasions and rising youth crime
“People are terrified of home invasions, especially those living on their own and elderly residents.
“It feels as if the police presence in Brimbank is almost non-existent. It’s important for community safety that there’s a presence of police – it’s not to say that they aren’t doing their job, just that we don’t feel the presence.”
Brimbank recorded 511 more offences in the 12 months to September 2023, compared to the previous 12 months, with a total of 17,103 criminal offences.
The suburbs of St Albans (3571 offences) and Sunshine (3013 offences) remain as the top two hot spots respectively for crime in the municipality.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the risk of a home invasion in Brimbank is “incredibly rare” with 27 recorded in the 12 months to September 2023.
“The frequency of home invasions in Brimbank remains stable to pre-pandemic levels,“ they said. “When home invasions do occur, this is most commonly between parties known or intra-criminal disputes.
“Brimbank police work around the clock, seven days a week, to target those responsible for committing serious crimes in our community.
“We also have a dedicated offender management team who proactively manage known high risk offenders in the area and keep them accountable.
“Offenders are likely to target easy to access, unlocked homes, where they can sneak in, and steal car keys and then cars from the property. The community is urged to stay vigilant and to always secure their property, even while home.“
