Common or garden

By Lia Bichel
DETECTIVES are urging residents to remain vigilant and ensure their homes are secure after a spate of burglaries across the City of Greater Dandenong this month.
Detective Senior Constable Dean Marchant said a number of raids had occurred in the past month in Dandenong, Noble Park, Keysborough and Springvale.
He said thieves had used garden and other household equipment left lying around to gain entry to properties in many of the incidents.
“A majority of these burglaries have occurred during daylight hours so residents need to adopt Neighbourhood Watch principles,” he said. “Any tools or implements that an opportunistic thief may use need to be locked away.”
The Greater Dandenong detectives have begun an operation targeting active burglars following a number of break-ins in the area.
Residents are also being warned to keep their cars secure.According to the RACV claims data, Dandenong was the second to Hoppers Crossing for being the suburb with the highest number of claims for stolen vehicles.
RACV Insurance general manager Paul Northey said drivers should also be aware of the areas where cars were more likely to be stolen such as railway stations, shopping centres and outside houses.
“When parking in these areas you should take extra care to ensure your car’s doors are locked and the windows are closed,” he said.
The public is encouraged to keep an eye on neighbouring premises and to report any suspicious activity to triple zero or Crime Stoppers.
Police are appealing for anyone with information into the recent burglaries in the Greater Dandenong area to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.