By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
ALARMINGLY in many cases, victims have given an open invitation to home burglars and thefts from motor vehicles.
According to state crime stats 2012-’13, half of thefts from cars showed no sign of forced entry.
In about 20 per cent of house burglaries, entry was gained through an unlocked door or window.
Last week, the State Government launched a ‘Help Yourself’ campaign in Dandenong to give security tips to would-be victims.
South Eastern Metropolitan region Inga Peulich said residential burglary, theft from motor vehicles and personal theft – which comprise 30 per cent of Victoria’s reported crime – were often opportunistic.
“Through the adoption of simple precautions, many could be prevented,” Mrs Peulich said.
She took a swipe at the State Opposition’s scrapping of its crime-prevention shadow portfolio.
“There could be no starker indication of how little Labor cares about community safety and community crime prevention than removing its own Shadow Minister,” Mrs Peulich said.
Joanna Palatsides, Liberal candidate for Dandenong, said “everyone needed to play their part” to drive down crime.
Details: helpyourself.vic.gov.au
Ms Peulich also announced a $9950 state grant to Greater Dandenong council for anti-graffiti measures, such as instructional videos to prevent and remove graffiti on public and private property.
