South Australian police to launch special operation to fight ‘rising trend’ of house break-ins in Adelaide
POLICE have launched a blitz on “people of interest” in key areas of the city to combat a spike in house break-ins — many of which, they say, are related to illegal drugs.
POLICE have launched a blitz on “people of interest” in key areas of the city to combat a spike in house break-ins — many of which, they say, are related to illegal drugs.
SA Police on Thursday launched Operation Subtract to combat a “rising trend” in house break-ins across metropolitan Adelaide. The operation will run for six months from January until June 2017.
Operation Subtract comes after annual police statistics showed a 3.4 per cent increase in serious criminal trespass offences over the 2015-16 financial year.
The crackdown comes after annual police statistics showed a 3.4 per cent increase in serious criminal trespass offences over the 2015-16 financial year.
Statistics for the period between November 2015 and October 2016 showed a statewide increase of 1173 serious criminal trespass offences, a spike of 9 per cent on the previous 12-month period.
Police say they recently carried out an “in-depth” analysis of break-ins in the metropolitan area between August 1, 2016 and November 27, 2016.
The analysis revealed, among other findings:
MOST break-ins happen on Fridays;
SMASHING through a back door was the most common method of entry;
JEWELLERY and shed tools were among the most targeted items.
Operation Subtract has been welcomed by Clearview woman Chris Lacey who not only lost treasured personal items but money she had been raising for charity during a break-in just before Christmas.
In the early hours of Sunday, December 18, thieves cut through a screen door in the rear of Ms Lacey’s property while she was away for a few days. They stole her extensive DVD collection which numbered more than 1000 and had its own handwritten catalogue.
“They must have had a snoop around and found the money tins of donations,” Ms Lacey said. “It’s just not right.”
Ms Lacey had been collecting the money for the Cat Adoption Foundation and other community groups.
Metropolitan Operations Service Superintendent John De Candia said police would use a combination of strategies to combat the number of incidents like Ms Lacey’s.
They included focusing on “people of interest in key areas”, “greater scrutiny” of second-hand dealers and online marketplaces and building stronger partnerships with the community to gather important intelligence.
“Over the course of Operation Subtract, police intend to reduce the amount of offences, put repeat offenders out of business and raise public awareness about basic crime prevention,” Supt De Candia said.
For crime prevention and home and business security information, please visit the SA Police website and select “your safety” from the menu.
Anyone with information about break-ins is asked to please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go online. You can remain anonymous.
Most targeted non-residential premises:
Shed/Garage
Shop
Other Building
Office
Public schools
Top 10 items stolen
Jewellery
Cash
Watches
Gaming Console/Unit
Laptop Computer
Mobile phone
iPad
TV
Keys
Credit Cards
Non-residential
Tools (Drills, Power Saw, Air Tools, Socket Sets, Grinder etc)
Cash
Bicycles
Alcohol
Laptop computer
Lawnmower,
Brush Trimmer
Chainsaw
Motor cycle
Hairdressing Equipment
Entry method
Break / Smash 19%
Jemmied 18%
Unlocked Entry Point 13%
Entry area
Rear 29%
Front 25%
Side 13%
Entry point
Door 38%
Window 22%
Highest number of break-ins by day of the week
Friday 18%
Monday 15%
Saturday 14%
Wednesday 14%
Tuesday 14%
Thursday 13%
Sunday 12%