Aggravated Burglaries And Carjackings: Tackling This Issue Together

We at Victoria Police have heard your concerns about the recent spate of aggravated burglaries and carjackings being committed mostly by young people across the state.

We know that many members of the community are feeling fearful and we understand why.

Your home is a place where you should feel safe.

While we cannot deny these crimes have increased, the number of these incidents is still relatively small.

Our crime statistics tells us that the majority of burglaries are non-violent – that is, someone might be home when the burglary occurs but there is no confrontation.

That aside, we are absolutely focused on addressing these crimes. We do not accept that any person should be confronted in their home.

The safety of the community is always our number one priority and we want to assure you that we will get on top of this problem.

In early May we started an operation called Cosmas with a focus on this type of offending.  And in that time we have already made over 75 arrests.

We have intelligence analysts forming a picture of the offending, why it is happening and where it is happening so that we are able to prevent it.

In local areas police are doing proactive patrols.

We are cracking down on people wanted on warrants, ensuring offenders are complying with their strict bail conditions, and managing persons of interest.

Outside of policing the problem, we are engaging with the community and stakeholders on what we can do to stop these young people offending in the first place.

We are doing all that we can and we want you to know that.

I know that a lot of you have been asking your local police what you can do to protect yourself.

Our message is clear – your safety and they safety of your family is the number one priority.

First things first, make your house as difficult as possible to break in to. You’ll find if it is to hard a lot of offenders will just run off.

You can do that by locking your doors and windows even when you are home.

Consider installing deadlocks, security doors and sensor lights.

When it comes to your car, lock it while you’re driving, and try to park in a secure area.

If you do find yourself a victim of this crime, don’t confront the offenders. Find a safe area and call Triple Zero (000).

No property is worth your safety.