Aggravated break and enters mapped by Victorian LGA with Mildura worst spot

Aggravated burglary can be a confronting crime. We’ve mapped out the areas in Victoria where it’s most common and how you can protect yourself.

Mildura had the highest rate of aggravated residential burglaries for the year ending June 2023.

A Murray River city has taken out the dubious honour of having the highest rate of aggravated burglaries, crime statistics reveal.

It comes as many LGA’s across the state recorded a rise in the aggravated burglaries, the head of crime prevention organisation says.

Mildura is now ranked among Victoria’s highest crime areas, after reported incidents skyrocketed.

Crime Statistics Agency data show that 121 aggravated burglaries were recorded in the LGA during the year ending June 2023.

That figure, which only takes in residential burglaries that occurred when victims were home, makes a rate of about 210 for every 100,000 people.

The next worse area, Stonnington, had a rate of 171.

South Gippsland had the lowest rate of aggravated burglaries over the same period, with only two offences recorded and a rate of 6.4.

Of the 77 LGAs taken into account, Ballarat found itself ranked eighth by rate.

Bendigo and Geelong had similar rates of offending rated in the mid 90s, despite the latter LGA having more than double the actual number of offences compared with the former.

Melbourne recorded 121 aggravated burglaries — a rate of nearly 59.

Neighbourhood Watch Victoria chief executive Bambi Gordon said there had been more aggravated burglaries over recent months, corresponding with the cost of living crisis.

“Obviously the thought of being a victim to a break in is worrying, but it is important to know that there are tried and true methods for preventing crime,’’ he said.

“Crooks are opportunistic — and that is good news because it means if we remove the opportunity we can prevent the crime.”

Ms Gordon encouraged people to lock up wherever possible, install sensor lights, and keep vegetation around homes low to the ground.

“Though the term aggravated burglary sounds as if your home has been invaded and you are at the risk of physical harm, in fact it only refers to a theft occurring when someone was at home,” she said.

“You may never hear or even see the crooks and they won’t see or approach you.

“Their entry to your home could be only a step or two into your entry – just enough to be able to grab your car keys and steal your car.

“So keep that front door locked, and keys out of sight.”

RACV Head of Home and Business Insurance Kirsty Hayes recommended residents get to know neighbours; lock doors, windows, and garages; invest in and test security equipment; keep valuables out of sight; secure important documents; and avoid publicising any absences from home.

“It is important for people to take precautions to prevent a break-in as, aside from the loss of property, burglary can have a lasting effect on the victim’s sense of safety and control,” Ms Hayes said.

“After taking the necessary precautions to prevent burglary, it’s also essential to check that your home insurance is up to date, with an adequate level of cover.”

To help prevent crime, police recommend locking up properties and valuables, making it look as if somebody is home, and making it more difficult for burglars to escape unseen.

If a home has been broken into, they suggest getting out or finding a safe place, not touching anything, and calling the relevant insurance company.

Mildura Rural City Council healthy communities acting general manager Cheree Jukes recently told the Herald Sun that the council was working closely with local agencies to increase safety through more CCTV, public lighting, and better transport.