Home burglars have raked in a $95.9 million treasure trove of cash, jewellery and computer equipment in the past year – and Ardeer residents were among the hardest hit.
Victoria Police data shows that 28,515 residential burglaries occurred statewide in the 2013-14 financial year, including 1416 across Brimbank, leaving victims $5052 out of pocket on average.
In 13,266 cases, there were no signs of forced entry; in 7924 cases, the offender entered through a window; and in 360 cases the offender used a key to get in.
The figures come less than two months after Ardeer was branded the top burglary hotspot in Melbourne in the same financial year.
A survey by insurer RACV found one in 25 Ardeer properties was broken into during 2013-14, with Williams Landing not far behind.
Braybrook also made the ‘top 10’, with one in 34 properties burgled.
The figures, based on Victoria Police crime statistics and Census data, reveal the average number of homes burgled across Victoria was one in 73.
Victoria Police safer community group’s Superintendent Tim Hansen said residential burglaries peaked each year during the festive season and the month of January.
Superintendent Hansen said cash, jewellery and computer equipment were the most commonly stolen items.
“Victorians are losing millions in stolen properties through these crimes, which are largely opportunistic and avoidable,” he said.
“Intelligence tells us that while a lot of people take holidays over the summer break, a lot have become complacent when it comes to their home security.
“If you’re planning to go away, the key is to make it look like someone is home. So get your neighbours to collect the mail and bring in the bins. Close the curtains and hang some old clothes on the line.”
RACV general manager of home services Peter Brindley also called on home owners to be more proactive in securing their properties against thieves, and said window locks, sensor lights and monitored home security systems were proven deterrents against burglaries.
“It’s important to consider potential hiding spots that you may create for thieves,” Mr Brindley said.
“By having clear paths to the front door, it’s easy to see when someone is straying into areas they shouldn’t.”
