By ALESHA CAPONE
POLICE have warned residents to keep their homes safe after a rise in burglary rates across Laverton and Altona Meadows last week.
Hobsons Bay Police Inspector Bill Mathers said reports of burglaries in the two suburbs rose at the end of last month.
“It’s because we just noticed we seemed to be picking up a couple of more reports than usual in that area from around 25 October,” he said.
“On 26 October an offender was disturbed while attempting to break into a house in Alma Ave in Laverton. He saw a person inside the home and then decamped.
Insp Mathers said homes in Balmoral St in Laverton and Central Ave in Altona Meadows were also burgled within the same timeframe.
“We believe they may possibly have been committed by the same person,” he said.
The offender was described as a male in his early twenties, with a thin build, possibly 175cm tall, dark hair, a Caucasian appearance and wearing light-coloured trousers.
Insp Weatherly said residents should not leave valuables in plain sight in a car or a home.
“Take reasonable precautions,” he said.
“With the warmer weather people tend to leave doors open more.
“Lock doors, make sure you have clear vision to your house so someone can see if there is an intruder trying to break into the home and if you see someone acting suspiciously at your neighbour’s place, call police immediately.
“Remember that just because someone is home doesn’t mean an offender won’t try to enter the house.
“Unfortunately some of our burglars and thieves are quite brazen.”
If you have information about a burglary call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or phone triple zero if you see a crime taking place.
