By BRIDGET COOK
OPPORTUNISTIC burglars have been taking advantage of windows and doors being left open at homes due to the hot weather, with a spike in aggravated burglaries across Casey in recent weeks.
Casey CIU burglary crew have warned residents to be vigilant in the heat to ensure they do not become a victim of crime.
Detective Senior Constable Jason Reynolds said there had been increase in burglaries across the municipality, particularly while people are home.
“We are seeing an increase at night while the occupants are home,” he said.
“Entry is being gained through unlocked doors and windows, with people leaving them open for fresh air.
“It is a concern given people are home, as there’s that danger of confrontation between the occupant and the offender.
“We don’t want to see that.”
Det Sen Const Reynolds urged people to check their homes were locked before they went to bed.
“We are just asking people to be vigilant, and while they might have had doors and windows open during the day, to ensure they are locked at night,” he said.
Police are seeking information about an aggravated burglary in Narre Warren last week, which occurred in similar circumstances.
About 6.20am on 29 January, a man was disturbed inside a bedroom of a home in Tomasetti Crescent, Narre Warren.
The offender ran from the house and stole an iPad.
The man was described as Asian, about 20 years old and wearing three-quarter length pants and a beanie.
There was a similar burglary nearby in Susan Court, Narre Warren, where a laptop was stolen.
Anyone with information about the aggravated burglaries are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
