NSW and Victoria Police are warning the community about “opportunistic thieves”

Police have asked the community for help to address the rising rate of opportunistic crimes in Albury Wodonga. Read how.

Police on both sides of the border are joining forces to crack down on opportunistic thefts in Albury Wodonga.

With crimes such as theft from motor vehicles, residential burglaries and general property crime increasing to pre-pandemic levels, NSW Police and Victoria Police are sharing intelligence to catch those responsible.

Wodonga’s Inspector Paul Henry said Wodonga police were patrolling the areas prone to opportunistic thefts “until the sun comes up while people sleep” but also asked residents to be vigilant.

“We are interviewing criminals who are advising us that they are checking door handles and are checking homes until they find a home that’s open,” he said.

“So I ask the public to close your windows and lock your doors before you go to bed. Make sure your garage doors are down to prevent that opportunity from occurring.”

Police on both sides of the border join forces to crack down on the increase in opportunistic thefts rate in Albury Wodonga.

Inspector Henry also said the police were particularly concerned about greenbelt areas and asked residents living next to them to be “extra vigilant”.

Murray River PD’s Detective Chief Inspector Mick Stoltenberg said the two forces working together was the most efficient way to crack down on opportunistic thieves.

“To be realistic and do the job as police on either side of the border to the best of our ability, it only makes sense that we work together. We share information, and we bounce it off each other, every opportunity we can,” he said.

Police also reminded people to report suspicious behaviour and even call Triple Zero if they hear or see something odd.

“Call police on Triple Zero; I understand it might be apprehensive to call the police if you think something’s wrong … We would rather respond and find that there is nothing to report rather than respond to a crime reactively,” Inspector Henry said.