ACT Policing say they continue to investigate a series of commercial and residential burglaries across the Canberra region in recent weeks, following a 50 per cent spike in commercial burglaries in December 2022. 

These incidents include two burglaries at the Apple Store in the Canberra Centre on 27 and 31 January, nine burglaries at shops in Scullin, Florey, incidents at Nicholls, Crace, Palmerston, Gold Creek, and Casey the morning of 2 January, ACT Policing reports.   

Two 17-year-old boys have been charged in relation to the Apple Store burglary on 31 January and faced court earlier this week, while a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy are before the courts in relation to the burglaries in the Gungahlin region.  

Sixty commercial burglaries were reported to police in December 2022, which is over 50 per cent higher than the monthly average of 38 for the previous 12 months.

Detective Inspector Shane Scott said police continue to investigate these incidents, and encouraged business owners and residents to be vigilant and review their security efforts.  

“Commercial and residential burglaries remain an area of focus for police – we have seen the number of commercial burglaries in the ACT roughly double over the past decade, which is obviously a concern,” Detective Inspector Scott said.   

“We are aware that cars stolen from home burglaries are then being used to assist people to commit commercial burglaries. We are urging every resident to ensure their homes are secured and car keys are not left in open areas of the home.  

“The recent spike in these incidents indicates targeted and opportunistic offending by individuals or small groups where numerous businesses are hit in a short period of time. 

“In some cases, police are aware of the persons involved, they are well known to us, and I would encourage them to attend a police station before we come knocking on their door.” 

Anyone with information about commercial burglaries or property crime in the ACT is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or on the Crime Stoppers ACT website.  

Information can be provided anonymously.