RACV data shows three Victorian households experience aggravated burglaries every hour
Thieves invaded three Victorian homes every hour last year, stealing not just family valuables but their sense of security. With RACV data revealing most houses are vulnerable, here’s how you can keep burglars at bay.
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RACV is urging homeowners to ramp up their home security after thousands of aggravated burglaries last year.
The latest RACV burglary data report showed three Victorian homes experienced aggravated burglaries every hour last year.
The data showed 53 per cent of people could be doing more when it came to their home security and 34 per cent of people surveyed who had home security systems installed reported they weren’t turning them on or they no longer worked.
Crime Statistics Agency data showed there were 4065 aggravated burglaries in Victoria last year, with Greater Geelong topping the list at 258, Ballarat (218), Casey (198), Brimbank (178) and Greater Dandenong (156).
Neighbourhood Watch and RACV have launched the How Safe is My Place campaign, to help Victorians identify ways to reduce the risk of aggravated burglaries.
It includes an online tool which asks a series of questions about security and provides tips on how to prevent crime, giving Victorians a report on just how safe their home is.
RACV Home general manager Darren Turner said prevention was the best defence against crime around the home.
“A lot of crime can be easily avoided, and it can often be opportunistic but all we need to do is remove the opportunity,” Mr Turner said.
“Most of it is very simple stuff, like keeping doors locked even when we are at home and making sure that our home looks occupied.”
Neighbourhood Watch chief executive Bambi Gordon encouraged all Victorians to take the online quiz to find out how secure their home is.
“Plain and simple, it is just common sense. It’s things like not having high front fences that criminals can hide behind and blocks your neighbours from seeing if there is something suspicious going on,” Ms Gordon said.
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Greater Dandenong Local Area Commander Inspector Mark Langhorn said he also urged residents to be vigilant and secure their properties and cars.
“What we do find with cars that are being broken into is that they are unlocked and this creates risk if you leave your garage remote inside them as it creates easy access to your home,” Insp Langhorn said.
Details: howsafeismyplace.com.au
HOW TO STAY SAFE
Secure doors and windows
Get to know your neighbours
Install a home security system
Get a dog
Keep the outside of your house tidy and well lit
Upgrade locks
Secure your garage
Lock your car
Don’t leave keys in the car
Source: Neighbourhood Watch