Joanne Mutsaerts, Melton Police
With the removal of COVID restrictions, a lot of people have returned to work and are away from their residences making our homes and vehicles attractive targets for thieves.
Local police are regularly patrolling known hotspots and targeting offenders, however everyone in the community has a role to play when it comes to making our homes, workplaces, and neighbourhoods safe.
This type of offending is often opportunistic, with thieves entering homes through unlocked doors and windows to steal items, including car keys.
There are a few simple measures the community can take to help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary, such as locking all windows and doors, as unlocked side and rear doors are the most common entry point for burglars. Residents should also install good quality locks on doors and windows. Other preventative measures include ensuring garage doors and internal access to the house and backyard are locked, installing an alarm system or CCTV and locking mailboxes to prevent theft of mail and personal documents.
Your neighbourhood also plays an important role in preventing crime, so we encourage residents to get to know your neighbours as they may recognise some unusual activity when you’re not home.
There are also several simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of vehicle-related theft, such as always locking the car, even when parking at home in the driveway or garage. It’s important to also secure vehicle keys and never leave them in your car and park in well-lit and secure areas if possible.
Avoid leaving valuable items, including tools, in your vehicle. Trades people should lock their vehicles and secure their tools even when they’re on a building site.
It is important to report all crime or suspicious activity at the earliest opportunity to ensure police are given the best opportunity to locate offenders, recover stolen property and keep everyone safe.
If the incident is currently in progress or has just occurred, where you need Police, find a safe place and call Triple Zero (000)
Remember, the safety of yourself and others is more important than trying to prevent a crime.
You can now report non-urgent crime via the Police Assistance Line – 131 444 or use the online reporting method by visiting www.police.vic.gov.au.
To report suspicious activity or to make an anonymous report with information about criminal activity, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Victoria Police has a Residential Crime Prevention Information Kit available on our website, at police.vic.gov.au/home-and-property.
Melton Police and Melton City Council and Neighbourhood Watch Victoria are holding five free community information evenings. This will be an opportunity for the community to hear from local police and Neighbourhood Watch about home security, personal safety and vehicle security. We encourage those in the community who are interested in this to come along.
Each event will run from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at various local community centres on the following dates:
Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre – Wednesday June 1
Bridge Road Community Centre – Tuesday June 7
Fraser Rise Children’s & Community Centre – Wednesday June 5
Eynesbury Discovery Centre – Tuesday July 12
Bridge Road Community Centre – Tuesday July 19
For more information please visit www.facebook.com/eyewatchmelton
Melton Police community engagement officer Joanne Mutsaerts
