Community
8 November, 2024
Police urge safety after surge in break-ins
RESIDENTS are being reminded to take care of their properties through various simple actions to reduce their risk of break-ins and theft of their property.
As Western District Newspapers has reported, there have been a number of break-ins in the district in recent months.
This has included an alleged spree across three towns – Mortlake, Lismore and Derrinallum – last month.
Warrnambool Police crime prevention officer (CPO) Mel Agnew said there are steps residents could take to reduce their risk of having their properties broken into, such as ensuring their homes, sheds, garages and cars were locked.
“That harder you make it for people to break in, and the more secure you look, the less likely you are to become a victim,” he said.
“In relation to the property itself, a well-maintained garden and outside shows that the property is cared for and that someone’s around.
“If you’re going to be away for a while, it’s good to let your local police know through a phone call that you’ll be away and the day you’re coming back.
“If you can also get someone to maintain the garden and also collect any mail that’s in the front letterbox – just so the place has the appearance of someone actually being there.
“Just to have that appearance that something’s happening – if you know them well enough, they can go in and turn on the light and turn it off to give the appearance that someone’s there.”
CPO Agnew also reminded residents to ensure their cars were locked when not in use - with valuables such as handbags kept out of sight – and not to leave their keys in cars.
Locks were also advised for mailboxes, windows and meter boxes, with residents encouraged to speak to their service providers before locking their meter boxes to ensure meters can still be read.
COP Agnew said security screens for doors and windows also acted as a good deterrent.
“Security screen doors are great – you can open them up when it’s hot to get air through the house, but they also provide that extra security when someone comes and knocks on your door,” he said.
“You’ve got that barrier there, so you can speak to them, and if you’re not comfortable you can just close your wooden door.
“Some people don’t have them – some older people don’t have them, and I think it’s a great present from the family if they’re looking for a Christmas present.
“You might have people turning up at the door selling things or asking for help, and it’s great to be able to make that judgement at the front door and just be able to say you’ll keep the screen door locked.”
Other steps residents could take include purchasing a safe and securing it to the floor, installing CCTV cameras, investing in a security system, having sensor lights outside the front door, and not posting about being on holiday on social media.
Neighbours can also provide additional security.
Residents are encouraged to ensure they have photos of their property, particularly important items such as jewellery or documents, to assist in identifying items should they be stolen.
Recording serial numbers on tools is also recommended, as this can be used to track them down.
“Every five years or so, people should go around their property, either with a camera or their mobile phone, and take a video of around the surrounding property, the property itself and into the garage – doing a running commentary as if you were doing it for a TV show,” CPO Agnew said.
“I recommend you keep one copy of the file yourself, and you give another copy to a trusted friend or relative.
“If anything has been stolen, you’ll have an excellent record and you’ll be able to show that record of what you’ve got – for insurance purposes as well, they can see what you have”.
CPO Agnew suggested residents with important equipment, especially important tools or farm equipment, should put their Driver’s Licence number on it.
“If it was stolen and it turned up, police can check the Victorian Licence number and establish who the property belonged to,” he said.
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