By Lia Bichel
RESIDENTS beware: as Christmas nears, police are reporting an influx of stolen goods from Casey homes.
Constable Kara Roden from Narre Warren Police said there was a spate of residential burglaries from all over Casey, especially in new estates.
She said many of the burglaries are in the Lyndhurst and Lynbrook areas.
One attempted burglary occurred on 7 December, between 10am and 10.15am in Lyndhurst.
Police said someone entered a house on Honeybark Crescent through an unlocked garage door.
The owner of the house disturbed the intruder, who then ran from the house and into the yard of a nearby property.
He was described as being aged between 18 and 22, wearing a backpack, light coloured t-shirt and shorts, had blond hair, about 165cm in height and weighing about 70 kilos.
Con Roden said many burglaries are happening in daylight.
“It’s happening during the day while many people are at work,” she added.
“They are getting into housing by jemmying window or back doors.”
Con Roden said in many cases, two men have been knocking on front doors to see if anyone is home. If someone answers the door, the men give a bogus reason for why they are there, or may ask for someone who may not live at the house, before leaving the area.
“Basically, they are sussing out if anyone is home,” Con Roden said.
“If anyone has experienced this, they should contact police.”
Con Roden said many of the items stolen from houses are lap tops, jewellery, electronics, televisions and cash.
She said anyone who witnessed suspicious activities, or saw vehicles parked in their driveways without a numberplate, should contact police.
“We want people to keep an eye out for suspicious activity,” she said.
Con Roden also said having a security system installed at home was a great way to help prevent against home burglaries.
Anyone with information about the attempted burglary in Lyndhurst on 7 December is urged to contact Constable Lauren Murphy at the Narre Warren Police Station on 9705 3111.
Anyone with information about any burglaries or who has seen anything suspicious in their area, should also contact police at the Narre Warren Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.