Gerald Lynch
Brimbank police are urging locals to keep their houses and vehicles locked.
A recent burglary in St Albans has led police to want to increase the education surrounding theft.
Brimbank neighbourhood policing leading senior constable Matthew Mudie said the recent theft serves as a timely reminder for everyone to ensure their home security is up-to-date.
“We are noticing that a lot of burglaries and thefts are occurring where owners are leaving their homes and vehicles unlocked,” he said.
“It is crucial to form good routines and habits where you check your home and vehicle is secure prior to leaving or going to bed at night. This basic step will help to reduce the amount of this type of offending, occurring.”
The messaging was sparked by the of a 31-year-old St Albans man on July 9. He was charged with a number of offences and bailed to appear at Sunshine Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
An address in Main Road West, St Albans ,was targeted over a two month period, police allege.
The premises became vacant due to the occupant dying a short time ago, making it an easy target for opportunistic thieves.
In the months of May and June, eight incidents were reported at the address, including burglary, theft, criminal damage, theft from motor vehicle.
The victim’s family attempted to secure the premises and make it less appealing to criminals, part of which included the installation of CCTV cameras.
The day after the installation, the premises was targeted again, with one of the cameras stolen by an offender who also caused significant damage, police allege.
Police have continued to work with the victim and provide further crime prevention advice in relation to the property.
They have a number of suggestions to minimise risk of burglary, including installing deadlocks on all external doors and windows, ask a neighbour to collect your mail while you’re away, and do not advertise your holiday plans online.
