Daylight robberies

By Nicole Williams
RESIDENTS have been warned to stay vigilant during the summer months after a series of daylight robberies in Greater Dandenong.
Police are investigating a number of unconnected robberies where the offenders have entered through an open back door.
Constable Nick MacDonald from Dandenong Embona said as the weather got warmer, residents needed to stay security conscious to deter opportunistic people.
“It’s a reminder to lock back doors, even when you are at home during summer,” he said. “People are out and about more, and houses are left open because of the heat, so as the weather warms up there are more ongoing issues.”
On Monday, police arrested a 34-year-old Cranbourne man in relation to 13 robberies in Dandenong, Noble Park and Springvale during the last three weeks. Constable Nick MacDonald from Dandenong Embona Taskforce said a majority of the robberies were opportunistic thefts, targeting the elderly during daylight hours.
Const MacDonald said police believed cash and jewellery were stolen after the man entered the house through an open door.
“They were opportunistic thefts, so it is good to get him off the street,” Const MacDonald said.
“It can be frightening for residents.”
He was charged with 13 aggravated burglaries, 13 thefts and five burglaries, and was remanded in custody to appear in the County Court at a later date.
In a separate case, police are searching for a man believed to be involved in three robberies, targeting the elderly in Dandenong.
It is believed that the man entered the houses on Scott Street, Pickett Street and Wilma Avenue, through the back door and stole the womens’ purses.
In one case, he made off with $11,000 in cash and jewellery, while the elderly resident was mowing her back lawn.
Police are still looking for the man, who was described as 175 centimetres tall, thin build, clean shaven, with short sandy hair, green eyes and rotting teeth.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Dandenong CIU on 9767 7487 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.