Michaela Meade
A Melton postcode has been revealed as the riskiest in Melbourne for burglaries by recent Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) data.
Postcode 3335 – which includes Plumpton, Rockbank, Bonnie Brook, Grangefields, and Thornhill Park – has been identified as the riskiest postcode to live in for burglaries, with a burglary rate of one in 45 homes.
According to the data, postcode 3840 – including Driffield, Hazelwood, Hazelwood North, Hazelwood South, Jeeralang, Jeeralang Junction, Maryvale, Morwell – was the second riskiest, with a rate of one in 46 homes.
Postcode 3019 – including Braybrook- was revealed as the third riskiest, with a rate of one in 47 homes.
The postcodes surrounding 3335 were classified as having an above average risk.
According to recent Crime Statistics Agency data, in the year ending June, 2021, there were 201 burglary offences recorded in 3335. There were 146 in the previous year, according to the data.
RACV business solutions general manager Raymond Orre said there were ways for Victorians to feel safer in their homes and in their neighbourhoods.
“Until crime rates are at zero, there is still reason for concern and more importantly, action,” he said.
“Positively, one in five people already believe that their neighbours look out for them, and in turn, they look out for their neighbours.
“Notifying your neighbours when you’re out of the home and asking them to check your mail or put out your bins can be a helpful deterrent for criminals and helps to foster a stronger sense of community.”
In a report on the RACV website, the organisation outlined 10 tips to improve home security.
The tips included getting to know your neighbours and local community; speaking with those in the know (your local council and police station); locking your doors, windows and garages; having a safe drop-off point; keeping valuables out of sight; securing valuable documents and identifiers; keeping your garden neat and tidy; going private on social media; leaving a spare set of keys with a trusted person; and investing in security equipment and checking that it works.
