A surge in car thefts has seen Victoria Police urge the local community to lock home and vehicle doors this summer.
New police intelligence has revealed aggravated burglaries and car thefts have increased as the weather starts to heat up, with an average of 22 aggravated burglaries per week where a car was stolen.
The fresh data was released by Operation Trinity which targeted car thefts across the state between August and October.
It comes following several reported incidents across Geelong and the Bellarine and Surf Coast in recent weeks.
Among those, an incident in St Leonards where the offenders allegedly entered a house through an unlocked door before stealing a Mercedes Benz sedan on November 3.
Investigators say the keys were taken from a hook inside the front door.
The car was spotted almost two hours away travelling along Waverley Road in Malvern East three days later.
The Mercedes was eventually stopped in Dandenong where six children aged between 17 and 14 were arrested.
Last week a 16-year-old girl was arrested after driving an allegedly stolen car across Geelong.
It’s alleged two girls assaulted a person before taking off in their Honda Civic in Armstrong Creek.
Stop sticks eventually ended the chase four hours later, with the driver arrested after attempting to flee.
“We know that summer is traditionally peak season for home burglaries, however if you lock your property, the odds of falling victim dramatically reduce,” Acting Superintendent Andrew McKee said.
“Victoria Police has uniform officers, the Dog Squad, Air Wing, Highway Patrol, and the Public Order Response Team patrolling Melbourne from dusk to dawn ever night to prevent offending and catch criminals.
“This approach is resulting in a significant number of arrests – Operation Trinity arrests four burglars and car thieves every single day.
“However, we also need the community’s help, as the reality is police cannot address the issue alone.
“We know that people are more likely to be spending time outdoors over the coming months, while windows and doors on homes will be open at different times of the day.
“Before you go to bed, double check all doors and windows are locked on your home and car as often this is all it takes to deter opportunistic burglars and thieves.
“Other simple tips are letting a family member, friend, or neighbour know if you’re heading on holiday, so they can keep an eye on your house, collect your mail and take the bins in.
“Other key deterrents include sensor lights and pets, with offenders often scared off when either of these are present.”
