HOUSES in some southeast suburbs are more than twice as likely to be burgled as the average Victorian home, the RACV’s analysis of the 2015-16 crime statistics reveals.
The average burglary rate rose from one-in-74 homes to one-in-68 homes, as the number of burglaries reported to police increased by 10 per cent across the state.
The RACV’s interactive digital map can zoom in on any postcode to find out its burglary rate. Mornington Peninsula postcodes continued to feature after making the top 10 for the first time last year. This year, Rye, Shoreham and Balnarring were all deemed riskier than average, with Hastings in equal 10th place due to a 1-in-34 home burglary rate.
RACV home services and security general manager Aaron Flavell said different areas were attractive to burglars for different reasons – new home estates are known to have many new goods and, in some instances, border on socio-economically challenged areas.
High-turnover rental areas are also vulnerable partly due to neighbours not knowing each other.
“RACV encourages all Victorians to get to know their neighbours and look out for each other,” he said.
“Our analysis clearly shows that residents in some areas have a higher-than-average risk of being burgled in any one year.
“While there are often complex reasons why some areas have higher burglary rates than others, homeowners can effectively reduce their chance of being burgled by increasing the would-be burglar’s risk of being disturbed or caught.
“Unfortunately, burglary victims are at high risk of being targeted again as burglars often return to steal new items which have been bought to replace the stolen goods. Neighbours are also at an increased risk.
“Research shows that burglars are less likely to target a property if a security system is present, so consider installing a monitored security alarm system.”
Crime Statistics Agency data shows that the rate of home invasions statewide soared by 40 per cent.
Frankston North and Pines Forest were fifth in the ranking, with last year’s 1-in-46 homes rising to 1-in-26 this year.
“While the surge in home invasions is concerning, the vast majority of burglaries took place when no one was home,” Mr Flavell said.
“Home invasions are a remote risk, so it is important to keep it in perspective, but also to know what you can do to prepare to be safe and reduce the risks for you and your family.
“If you should get burgled while at home, the safety of you and your family is paramount. You should never confront offenders but focus on staying safe while trying to call 000,” he said.
Most stolen items are cash, electrical appliances and jewellery, which should be kept out of sight to slow thieves down or deter them. Most burglars are looking for a quick grab and getaway.
First published in the Mornington News – 20 December 2016
