Thieves’ bonanza

By Callan Date
CRANBOURNE housing developments are under attack with burglaries on unoccupied properties reaching record levels.
Up to 12 houses have been targeted in the past fortnight with white goods, appliances and hot water services high on the list of stolen items.
Brazen thieves are taking advantage of the lack of established home-owners in the area to avoid being spotted by potential witnesses.
Vandals have also caused grief to developers by gaining access to properties and spraying internal walls and carpet with paint.
However, local police and housing development officials are sending a clear warning to any future would-be thieves that there will be an increase in patrols throughout the hot-spot areas.
Police said several estates including Brookland Greens and The Hunt Club, have been subjected to the burglaries.
Senior Sergeant Bernie Kaminski said there are several reasons why new housing estates are vulnerable to burglaries.
“The products that are installed in these houses are generally brand new and there is also less chance of witnesses being about to see the offence,” Sen Sgt Kaminski said.
The Hunt Club development manager Terry Dooling advised residents to ensure their property was properly secured when they were not at home.
“We have endeavoured to ensure the safety of Hunt Club residents by installing an extensive system of street lighting.
“And with our landscaping, we have maintained excellent line of sight down streets,” Mr Dooling said.
In last week’s spate of thefts, more than $8000 of goods were stolen from two houses under construction in Triandra Court, Cranbourne South.
Police said the houses were under construction by development group Porter Davis.
A Lynbrook estate was also targeted with dishwashers stolen from two units in Sugar Bush Drive some time between 2pm on 23 September and 2pm on 26 September.
Thieves also attempted to remove an oven and split system air-conditioner unit from one of the units.
Police said a further two Lynbrook units were broken into about the same time with a dishwasher, cook top, range hood and oven stolen from one of the properties in Silver Creek Drive.
The second unit had a dishwasher stolen.
Mr Dooley said Hunt Club residents should make sure their valuables were not overly visible and that doors and windows were securely locked when they left their home.
Sen Sgt Kaminski said stealing from a housing development area was no different from committing the crime in a built-up established residential neighbourhood.
“Police are increasing their patrols in these new housing estate areas and will be targeting these offences,” he said.
“We will also be conducting plain clothes patrols with unmarked cars.”
Sen Sgt Kaminski asked anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour or vehicles near the housing estate areas to contact police on 5991 0600.