Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers Victoria are uniting in an effort to tackle aggravated burglaries including those resulting in motor vehicle theft.
The new campaign—called ‘LIGHTS. CAMERA. CATCH ’EM.’—calls on the community to share what they know about this type of offending and submit footage of suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers.
Crime Statistics Agency figures show there were 4214 residential aggravated burglary offences in Victoria during the year ending 30 September 2022.
This represents a 12.7 per cent increase on the previous period.
Crime Stoppers Victoria CEO Stella Smith said: “By regularly reviewing your CCTV cameras and sharing any suspicious activity recorded, you could assist investigators and help protect your community.”
“We need the community’s assistance to help police catch perpetrators and prevent any further home break-ins or people’s cars being stolen from their own driveway.
“We want the community to know that collaboration is key to preventing and solving these incidents.
“If you see something, say something.” Ms Smith said.
An aggravated burglary can be when the offender enters a home with someone inside.
While police intelligence suggests more than 95 per cent of residential burglaries involve no confrontation whatsoever, they remain a high priority for police.
Thieves are often looking for unlocked doors, dark driveways and easy access to vehicles.
Sometimes offenders have attempted to break into multiple houses in the same street.
Stolen cars can be used for further offending and involved in intentional high-risk driving.
The new ‘LIGHTS. CAMERA. CATCH ’EM’ campaign is putting offenders on notice that anyone in the community could be watching.
The community can play a key safety role through keeping an eye out for suspicious activity and reporting it to Crime Stoppers.
Crime Stoppers and Victoria Police are today releasing examples of the type of footage which can be submitted to assist investigators.
This includes CCTV or dashcam footage of suspicious behaviour such as people trying car doors or looking into vehicles, loitering outside properties and looking through windows or attempting to enter homes.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Southern Metro Region Therese Fitzgerald said police take aggravated burglaries and car theft extremely seriously.
“Aggravated burglaries are a key area of concern for police. That’s why we’re so pleased to be teaming up with Crime Stoppers Victoria.”
“When cars are stolen it’s of particular concern as those vehicles can be used for other offending.”
“We’re investing significant resources into combatting this issue.
“We’ve got patrols, we’ve got dedicated operations, we’ve got our automatic numberplate technology to detect stolen vehicles and we’ve got our Air Wing which can respond to incidents rapidly.
“But we also need the community’s support.
“Information from the public is crucial in helping us track down offenders and hold them to account.” Acting Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald said.
Aggravated burglary attracts a penalty of up to 25 years’ jail while car thieves can be jailed for up to 10 years.
The community are urged to share CCTV footage and any information about suspicious activity with Crime Stoppers via crimestoppersvic.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.
