There has been a spate of burglaries on the outskirts of Melton where firearms have been stolen.
Senior Sergeant Barry Jenks, of the Melton Crime Investigation Unit, said dozens of homes in Toolern Vale, Diggers Rest, Rockbank and Plumpton were burgled in the past few weeks.
“I noticed with a couple of them, the homeowners have gone away on extended periods of holidays and there are tell-tale signs there’s no one home,” Senior Sergeant Jenks said.
“At the minimum, tell your neighbours to keep an eye out on your property when you’re away.”
While most of the stolen firearms are sold in the black-market or used for personal reasons, Senior Sergeant Jenks some were used in armed robberies or more serious offences.
The most common weapons stolen from these rural properties are .22 rifles or 12 gauge shotguns.
Offenders broke into a Minns Road, Melton home sometime between Wednesday, July 16 and Thursday, July 17, before stealing a .22 rifle, jewellery and other items.
A property on Search Road, Diggers Rest was broken into a day later and made off with a computer and television.
“We think these rural burglaries are a little bit more organised. The ones in the suburbs are generally opportunistic or drug related or the offender is drug affected,” Senior Sergeant Jenks said.
Police are urging residents in rural areas to be extra cautious when locking up for their holiday.
“Don’t leave the place unlocked; make the place look like it’s being lived in; or tell your neighbours or relatives to keep an eye out on your property.”
Senior Sergeant Jenks said police were following up on a number of leads but no cars or witnesses had been spotted at the locations during the time of the burglary.
Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
