By NATALIE GALLENTI
THE suburbs of Melton South, Exford and Brookfield are once again among Victoria’s top burglary
hotspots, according to the latest RACV crime statistics.
The suburbs, all with the postcode 3338, come in eighth on the list with Williams Landing the worst hit area in Melbourne’s West. Ardeer also ranks high, with Sunshine and Albion rounding off the top 10.
Heidellberg West, Heidelberg Heights and Bellfield topped the list.
RACV general manager of home services Peter Brindley said the burglary risk profile was now dominated by middle and outer Melbourne suburbs.
He said one positive to come out of the recent data is that across the state there has been a three per cent improvement in Victoria’s residential burglary rate in the past year, to one in 71 homes.
“RACV’s analysis shows that the reduction was delivered by a dramatic improvement in last year’s top 10 riskiest suburbs, all of which have seen a drop in their burglary rates,” Mr Brindley said.
He said despite the overall improvement it was concerning some areas bucked the trend to record significant increases in burglaries.
The RACV has prepared a YouTube video which advises homeowners on steps they can take to minimise the chance of a break-in.
“Prevention is the key to avoiding the financial cost and emotional trauma of invasion of your home and your personal space.”
“It is also important to get in the habit of ensuring doors and windows are locked when you go out, ensuring paper and mail deliveries are put on hold when you go on holidays and of not sharing details of when you are away from home on open social media networks.”
