Golden Grove residents urged to upgrade home security

POLICE are encouraging residents of one northeastern suburb to ramp up their home security following a spate of break-ins.

Golden Grove has recorded the highest number of break-ins this year in the northeast. Picture: Bill Hearne.

• Thieves targeting the “mortgage belt” of the northeast

POLICE are encouraging Golden Grove residents to ramp up their home security following a spate of break-ins.

There have been about a dozen break-ins or attempted break-ins at homes in the suburb over the past six weeks.

Police believe one man might be responsible for all of the crimes.

He has been described as about 25 years old with blond hair, about 170-180cm tall and possibly unshaven.

A police spokesman urged people to install good locks on all windows and doors, and to make sure sheds, garages and other outbuildings were secured.

One resident said at least one house among half a dozen – within an area bordered by Bicentennial Drive, The Golden Way, Golden Grove Rd and The Grove Way – had been “ransacked”.

“I always thought we were pretty safe here and now I’m jumping at any noise,” the resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said.

“A few people have messaged me actually with video evidence from their personal security cameras with (would-be thieves) on there.”

Golden Grove is the number one location for break-ins in the Holden Hill Police District, with 54 so far this year.

That was followed by Para Hills (50) and Pooraka (42).

Martin Kirk of Golden Grove Security Services said demand was increasing for home-based security.

“It’s getting worse and worse and worse,” he said.

“That’s not just in Golden Grove though, but across the state.

“It’s all over, it’s everywhere.”

Tea Tree Gully councillor Sandy Keane, who is also a Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator, said residents should consider improving their home security.

“It seems Golden Grove goes through these periods where break-ins are high, then it drops off for a little while and then starts again,” she said.

“This is due to Golden Grove’s reputation of being an affluent neighbourhood.

“Those who break in to homes in Golden Grove are stealing from hard-working mums and dads who have a mortgage and are paying school fees and just do not need this upsetting intrusion in their lives.

“The only thing I can suggest is for residents in Golden Grove to be vigilant and if possible to improve the security on their homes.”