ACT Policing is continuing to investigate recent aggravated home and commercial burglaries after an increase in the number of such offences last month.
ACT Policing has recorded a number of home aggravated burglaries, and last week two teenagers were put before the ACT Magistrates Court for aggravated burglaries in Duffy. No further aggravated burglaries have been recorded since the arrests.
Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Steel recommended the community be vigilant when it comes to home safety, following a number of incidents where offenders have targeted vulnerable people including the elderly.
“Offenders can enter through doors that are unlocked and windows that are left open so they can take items and get out before being noticed,” said Detective Acting Superintendent Steel.
“Of the burglaries ACT Policing is investigating, we have noticed offenders targeting homes to find keys to steal cars as well as property including wallets, cash, phones, tablets and jewellery.
“However, the community can have confidence that our efforts to put offenders before the courts and investigate other reports has had an impact in reducing these incidents.”
Investigations into other recent aggravated home burglaries continue. ACT Policing has shared intelligence with NSW Police Force regarding several people suspected of being involved in home aggravated burglaries who may have travelled interstate.
In September, Canberra recorded a spike in commercial aggravated burglaries. Since then there has been fewer incidents but it remains a concerning trend ACT Policing is addressing. From 7-24 September there were 30 commercial aggravated burglaries. A further 11 commercial burglaries have occurred from 24 September to today, 7 October.
Detective Acting Superintendent Steel said ACT Policing and the community must work together to reduce crime.
“The community can be assured we’re working hard to bring offenders before the court,” he said.
“I want to thank the community for their information and businesses who have been assisting by ensuring they have done everything they can to secure their premises and increase safety measures.”
Anyone with information that could assist police in ongoing investigations into commercial and home burglaries is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
