Burglaries down in Sunbury/Macedon Ranges

Houses in Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges are less likely to be burgled than most other places in Victoria.

An analysis of crime data released by the RACV last week reveals that one in every 80 houses in Sunbury was hit by thieves in 2014-15, compared to the state average of one in 67.

While encouraging, the figure was still down on 2013, when closer to one in every 90 houses was burgled.

Results were even better across much of the Macedon Ranges, with one in 107 houses burgled in Gisborne and one in 120 houses at Romsey.

Kyneton’s burglary rate was slightly higher at one in 75.

The figures are far better than many areas in Melbourne’s west, with one in 19 houses targeted at Williams Landing and one in 24 in Broadmeadows/Dallas.

Regional Victoria’s burglary hotspot was Shepparton, where one in 25 houses were burgled in the past financial year.

RACV home services general manager Aaron Flavell said people could reduce their chances of being burgled by increasing the risk of crooks being nabbed.

‘‘Thieves look for easy entry into homes so make sure that your doors and windows are well secured with locks made to Australian standards, and that you lock up when you go out, even for short periods,’’ he said.

As reported by Star Weekly, Macedon Ranges police have focused on theft from farm sheds and unattended properties in recent months, following a spike in offences.