Police probe Rippleside theft as petty crime frustrates residents
Geelong CIU has sought CCTV footage over a brazen daylight home burglary in Rippleside, as more crime is reported in the bayside suburb.
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A brazen daylight burglar allegedly packed a Rippleside family’s suitcase full of electronics and other goods stolen from their home before casually wheeling his stash away.
It is the latest in a spate of thefts and petty crime that has plagued the bayside suburb over the past 18 months, both reported and unreported to police, with cunning crooks and night-time prowlers targeting its streets.
Geelong Crime Investigation Unit is investigating the latest reported incident believed to have occurred about 10.45am on February 11.
“Officers have been told the offenders stole a number of items, including a laptop, personal documents, car keys and kitchen appliances,” a police spokeswoman said.
“No one was home at the time.”
Police have since contacted local residents seeking security footage.
It is understood thousands of dollars worth of valuables, including passports, were stolen from the young family in the burglary, which they claim happened between 9.30am and 11am.
It’s understood one alleged offender entered the rear of the property and used the residents’ own suitcase to pack the stolen items before strolling off.
The burglary victim, a father of two, said he had “lost a lot” following the robbery.
“I would like to ask those of you who live in this community, if you have a camera that recorded a stranger carrying luggage and a bunch of electronic products during this time period (to come forward),” he said.
It is understood police are also in the process of obtaining CCTV footage from nearby North Geelong station to check if the alleged burglar may have fled on a train.
It comes as Neighbourhood Watch issued a public warning to residents in Rippleside and Geelong West on Wednesday, urging people to “lock up”.
“It seems there have been some unwanted visitors in Geelong West and Rippleside areas in recent nights, scoping out homes and knocking on doors,” the social media post said.
Hooded and masked offenders with torches have been a regular sight on many neighbourhood CCTV cameras in Rippleside in recent months.
In the past week, there have been reports of an unwanted prowler knocking on doors in St Helens Place, teenagers captured on CCTV scoping streets, driveways and homes on nearby Vautier St and cars in the area being rummaged through overnight.
More than $2000 worth of tools were allegedly stolen from a toolbox on Vautier St on February 14.
A Corio man, 25, was recently jailed over a string of offences on Bay St, Holden Ave and St David St in November, including aggravated burglary, burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and failing to stop on police direction.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Has your home been targeted?mark.murray@news.com.au
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