Crime data shows the worst Adelaide suburbs for break-ins

HOMES in Elizabeth are more likely to be broken into than any other suburb in Adelaide, according to the latest crime and population figures. But how does your area compare?

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HOMES in Elizabeth are more likely to be broken into than any other suburb in Adelaide, according to latest crime and population figures.

Residents in the suburb reported 32 break-ins to police in 2016/17 — the highest per capita rate in Adelaide and equivalent to one break-in for every 32 residents.

It comes as police continue an operation to target repeat offenders and second-hand dealers who sell stolen property.

Messenger Community News used police figures and Census population data for each suburb to map the level of residential break-ins across Adelaide.

Other suburbs to record a high per capita rate included Elizabeth South, Elizabeth Grove, Renown Park, Brompton and Port Adelaide.

Police launched Operation Subtract in January after becoming aware of an increase in break-ins.

They were up about 10 per cent in the four worst suburbs — Elizabeth, Elizabeth Grove, Elizabeth South and Elizabeth East — between 2015/16 and 2016/17, according to the figures analysed by the Messenger.

See the rate of break-ins in your suburb. The darker the colour, the higher the rate of breakins:

Assistant Commissioner Joanne Shanahan said the number of break-ins across Adelaide decreased 8 per cent between January and the end of June, prompting police to continue the operation until the end of the year.

“To the end of September, 1612 people have been arrested as a result of Operation Subtract — not only for (break-in) offences, but for other related offending — and property worth more than $800,000 has been recovered, both from individuals and second-hand dealers,” Assistant Commissioner Shanahan said.

She said thieves tended to take valuable, highly portable items, and often sought easy access to properties through unlocked doors, windows left ajar, or screen windows and doors that were easily cut or manipulated.

Assistant Commissioner Joanne Shanahan with repossessed goods.

Factors contributing to a suburb’s break-in rate included population density, demographics, home security levels, community involvement in groups such as Neighbourhood Watch and offenders being responsible for a series of crimes in a particular area, Commissioner Shanahan said.

RAA Secure Services spokesman Travis Murphy said residents could take simple measures to protect their homes.

“You can make it more difficult to enter your property by using things like locks, security doors, shutters or even a big dog,” Mr Murphy said.

“With the advent of wireless security systems it is now easier than ever for renters to negotiate installation of their own security system, with minimal impact on the property, and to take the system with them if they move.”
Several suburbs had no break-ins at all, including Glenalta, Stonyfell and Edinburgh.

Others with low rates included Panorama, Coromandel Valley, Bellevue Heights, Teringie and Beulah Park.

Break-in causes more grief

A THIEF has destroyed an Elizabeth North resident’s front garden at the same time she was grieving the death of her son.

Heather McKenzie, 67, woke to find her Yarnbury Rd front garden had been raided overnight on Saturday, December 9.
More than 20 pot plants and an outdoor setting were stolen.

Daughter Rebecca Lee said her mum had turned to the garden for solace after her brother, Cameron, took his life two months earlier.

“She hasn’t been able to cope after the loss of my brother and the garden means everything to her,” Mrs Lee said.
“Making the front of her house lovely and spending time in the garden helps her through the grieving process.”

Heather McKenzie, with her daughter Rebecca Lee, had more than 20 pot plants and an outdoor table stolen from her Elizabeth North house. Picture: AAP/Morgan Sette

The incident was reported to Elizabeth Police.

The family is looking at install sensor lights and CCTV cameras.

Mrs Lee said the attack had frightened her elderly mother.

“A lot of people in the area just don’t have anything out the front because thefts are really bad this time of year.”

Prevention tips

POLICE tips to protect your home over the holiday period:

• Don’t leave presents in sight of a doorway or window.

• Engrave all your new electrical and valuable gifts.

• Discarded packaging for electronic or expensive items should be broken down and placed in the rubbish bin, not left visible in the street.

• Don’t leave an answering machine message advertising you are away for the Christmas holidays.

• If you are going away, let your neighbours know, ask a friend or relative to house-sit or consider joining Neighbourhood Watch.

• Ask someone to collect mail from your letterbox or arrange for Australia Post to hold it.

• Use a light timer to create the impression you are still at home.

• Don’t hide a spare key under the mat or in any other obvious spot.

• If you have a house alarm, ensure that it works.

• Lock all outside sheds and garages.