Worst suburbs for aggravated burglaries in Melbourne revealed

Melbourne’s “terrifying” home invasion crisis has spiked, with one suburb being hit once every two days, new data reveals. See where thugs are targeting the most.

Victorian residents are being left “terrified” over a spike in home invasions, with new data revealing which suburbs are being targeted by thugs – and how often.

The data, from the Crime Statistics Agency, shows that homes in Mildura are being targeted every two days on average, with a total of 126 offences recorded in 2023.

This was followed by Berwick (93), Glen Waverley (89), Dandenong (84) and Pakenham (63). Also in the top ten with more than 50 offences recorded include Keysborough, St Albans, Frankston, Morwell and Traralgon.

In Melbourne’s east, Balwyn North, Camberwell and Glen Iris followed closely behind, recording a combined 143 offences.

The Bayside suburb of Brighton came in 16th, with a total of 45 offences.

It comes after Bayside Mayor Fiona Stitfold wrote to Premier Jacinta Allan earlier this month to request that further police resources be diverted to the affluent area due to a spike in crime.

An average of 16 criminal incidents were recorded in the bayside local government area every day in 2023.

Frightening home invasions, some of which have been caught on CCTV, have raised widespread fear in the community, with police previously confirming a 43 per cent increase in aggravated burglaries in the area.

The number of aggravated burglaries soared across Victoria by 29 per cent from 4,558 in 2022, to 5,887 in 2023.

Three men pretending to be police stormed into a Doncaster East home two weeks ago and ransacked the home before allegedly stealing $400,000 dollars worth of jewellery.

Also this month, five males allegedly forced their way into a St Albans house, before stealing cash and assaulting the homeowners.

In February, a Kalkallo family was terrorised after thugs smashed into their home carrying machetes and a gun. An elderly mother allegedly had her head smashed against the floor during the terrifying raid and more than $20,000 worth of valuables and $10,000 cash was stolen.

CCTV revealed a pair approaching the Kalkallo home armed with machetes. Picture: Nine News

Gurinder Singh told of the terrifying moment his family was ambushed in their own home. Picture: Nine News

Neighbourhood Watch Victoria chief executive Bambi Gordon said the increase in aggravated burglaries is causing great concern for residents.

“What is important to note is that the term ‘aggravated’ doesn’t mean that the incident was violent, that the offenders attacked the residents, that the property was ransacked,” she said.

“In the majority of cases the offender and resident haven’t seen each other. The resident is likely not to have even heard the offender, and that is because all that the offender wants is the car keys – and to get in and out quickly – as the majority of aggravated burglaries are motor vehicle motivated.

“As many petty and more serious crimes are on the increase, possibly due to the cost of living crisis, it is important that Victorians do the simple things we can all do to keep our home and property safe.”

Ms Gordon said this included keeping cars parked in the garage or behind a locked gate if possible.

Ms Gordon said the increase in aggravated burglaries is causing great concern for residents.

General manager of home at RACV Bill Bloodworth said it is important residents regularly check their home insurance coverage in the case of a break-in.

“Ensure you lock your doors, windows and garages and keep valuables out of sight – many Victorians make things easy for burglars by failing to properly lock up their property,” he said.

“Invest in a home security system, alarm and motion or lighting on timers to help deter burglars. This can help provide evidence to police if you do have a break in and alarms can help frighten burglars and alert neighbours.

“Get to know your neighbours and local community by joining a Neighbourhood Watch group to help prevent opportunistic crime in your street and suburb.”

Mr Bloodworth said it is important residents regularly check their home insurance coverage in the case of a break-in.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said in 95 per cent of all aggravated burglaries the offenders remain completely unsighted by the victim.

“While we acknowledge there has been an increase in aggravated burglaries across Victoria – the overwhelming majority have no confrontation,” they said.

“When interviewed, offenders are telling us they will walk up and down a street until they find a door or window that is unlocked.

“Across Victoria home break-ins have dropped by 11 per cent since pre-pandemic.”

Police have been targeting burglars and car thieves each night since March last year, as part of Operation Trinity, which runs from dusk until dawn across Melbourne.

There have been an additional 70 police including Dog Squad, Public Order Response and Air Wing rostered each night on top of existing patrols, which has led to over 1,400 arrests in the past 12 months.