By NATALIE GALLENTI
DISPLAY homes, houses under construction and vacant premises across Melton continue to be targeted by thieves.
Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Jenks from Melton police told Star televisions are commonly stolen from display homes while fittings and copper and electrical wiring are often stolen from houses under construction.
Det Sen Sgt Jenks said despite frequent police patrols in the many new housing developments across the City of Melton, police were calling on assistance from the public.
Police said in a latest display home burglary, the alleged offender was described as a Caucasian male, in his late teens or early twenties, and short to medium build. He was wearing a grey hooded jumper and tracksuit pants with white stripes and driving a dark-coloured ford sedan with a spoiler and mag wheels. He was believed to have been accompanied by a second offender.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police are also concerned with the number of burglaries on homes situated on acreage in the Rockbank and Toolern Vale areas.
Det Sen Sgt Jenks urged residents in these suburbs, and in particular those with homes obscured or a long distance from the road, to maintain high levels of security.
“It is important that your premises are securely locked and where possible make it appear that somebody is at home,” he said.
“These offenders may be looking for stored firearms, so it is vitally important that firearms and ammunition are safely and securely stored as required by the Firearms Act.”
Meanwhile, in other police news, a 31-year-old Hillside man has been charged with attempted murder and conduct endangering life resulting from a firearms shooting incident in John Paul Drive, Taylors Hills, on 10 August this year.
The alleged offender was arrested on 28 August and has been remanded in custody. No one was injured during that incident.
On 23 August about 1.30am, Caroline Springs police intercepted a vehicle at the McDonald’s in Taylors Hills.
After searching the vehicle, a loaded handgun, ammunition, methamphetamines and proceeds of crime were located in the car. A 23-year-old male from Kings Park and a 48-year-old male from Derrimut were arrested and have been charged with firearms and drug offences. They will appear in court at a later date.
Three days later, Melton CIU executed a Drug Search Warrant on a property in Ella Court, Melton. A hydroponic cannabis crop was located along with a considerable amount of illicit substances including ice and ecstasy tablets and cash. A 38-year-old Melton man has been charged and remanded in custody. The estimated value of these drugs is between $20,000 to $28,000.
