Display vigilance, say police

By Sarah Schwager
POLICE are appealing for people to keep vigilant around Cranbourne and Hampton Park and report any suspicious activity around display homes and houses under construction.
The plea came after a spike in the number of burglaries at these properties.
While Cranbourne police have set up a taskforce to deal with the issue, they are asking residents to help out by keeping their eyes and ears open.
Detective Sergeant Larry Grimshaw from Cranbourne CIU said the area was witnessing a spate of burglaries at the uninhabited houses and they needed to be stopped.
He said furniture and hi-fi equipment were the main targets at display homes, while rangehoods, baths, fittings and cooling and hot water units were the main items stolen from houses under construction.
Det Sgt Grimshaw said there was a particular problem area in Cranbourne North at Porter Davis Homes at the Camden Green Estate in the streets between Baddeley Circuit, Sussex Avenue and Rosebank Drive.
He urged residents of this area to note all suspicious and late night activity.
He said in most cases, thieves were getting away with between $1000 and $10,000 worth of property in each burglary.
“They are even targeting outdoor furniture, unbolting deck chairs and locating cans of paint in the garages,” he said.
The most recent thefts occurred on Thursday 15, Friday 16 and Sunday 18 March.
Det Sgt Grimshaw also urged homeowners to always keep security fences locked.
Anyone with information about the burglaries or who may have seen or heard something suspicious contact the officer in charge at Cranbourne CIU on 5991 0661 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 if wishing to remain anonymous.