Firstly, thank you to the entire Wyndham community for their support and response during 2020.
We know it was a challenging time for many, and we appreciate the ongoing support as police had to adapt and respond to enforce the Chief Health Officer directions to slow the spread of the coronavirus outbreak in Victoria.
This continues to be a significant priority for Victoria, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure the community is safe.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone about some simple measures that can be taken to ensure your home and vehicle is secured, particularly as we know many of you will start to head back into the office for work or will be out of home more.
We understand the concern regarding home burglaries, it can be a very traumatic experience for anyone who is a victim of this crime.
Most home burglaries are often opportunistic, with thieves trying to enter homes without being detected and avoiding confrontation.
When heading out of your home, there are a number of simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary:
• Install good quality locks on doors and windows. Alarms are also a good deterrent.
• Lock all windows and doors – unlocked garage, side and rear doors are the most common entry point for burglars.
• Remove valuable items from plain sight – particularly car keys, wallets and cash.
• Consider additional security measures such as security screen doors, sensor lights, a monitored alarm system and overt CCTV.
In addition to securing your home, it’s important you take measures to secure your vehicle as well. We know many people will be looking to start travelling back into the city or their place of work by car, or by public transport. Car thieves will often seize any opportunity to steal a car, with most cars stolen having no visible signs of forced entry. This can include the car being left unlocked, keys in the ignition or the offenders gaining access to the car keys.
Simple steps you can take to prevent becoming the victim of motor vehicle theft include:
• Lock all car doors and windows, even when parking at home or the driveway or garage
• Secure your keys and never leave them in your car
• Park in well-lit and secure areas if possible
• Don’t leave valuable items, including tools, in your vehicle
For those interested in learning more ways you can build a safer home, head to www.howsafeismyplace.com.au and also sign up to one of your local Neighbourhood Watch Victoria groups to connect with your neighbours and build a safer community. There are many local groups in our community, including Tarneit, Tarneit Central, Point Cook Central, Salt Water, Manor Lakes and Jubilee.
Finally, and most importantly, it’s crucial that all suspicious behaviour or incidents of criminal activity are reported to police.
• In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000) for an immediate police attendance.
• If you have been the victim of a theft or come home and find your home has been burgled, this can be reported to the Police Assistance Line by calling 131 444, or through Online Reporting at www.police.vic.gov.au
• If you witness suspicious activity, please report this to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or by visiting crimestoppersvic.com.au
