Lights, camera, action to catch ‘em

Crime Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police are uniting to tackle aggravated burglaries including those that result in motor vehicle theft.

The new campaign – called ‘LIGHTS. CAMERA. CATCH ’EM.’ – calls on the community to share what they know about this type of offending, and submit footage of suspicious activity to Crime Stoppers.

Crime Statistics Agency figures show there were 4,214 residential aggravated burglary offences in Victoria during the year ending 30 September 2022.

This represents a 12.7 per cent increase on the previous period.

Crime Stoppers Victoria CEO Stella Smith said Victorians could help protect their community by regularly reviewing their CCTV cameras, and sharing any suspicious activity recorded.

“We need the community’s assistance to help police catch perpetrators and prevent any further home break-ins or people’s cars being stolen from their own driveway,” Ms Smith said.

“We want the community to know that collaboration is key to preventing and solving these incidents. If you see something, say something.”

An aggravated burglary can be when the offender enters a home with someone inside.

While police intelligence suggests more than 95 per cent of residential burglaries involve no confrontation whatsoever, they remain a high priority for police.

Thieves are often looking for unlocked doors, dark driveways, and easy access to vehicles.

Sometimes offenders have attempted to break into multiple houses in the same street.

Stolen cars can be used for further offending and involved in intentional high-risk driving.

The new ‘LIGHTS. CAMERA. CATCH ’EM’ campaign is putting offenders on notice that anyone in the community could be watching.

The community can play a key safety role through keeping an eye out for suspicious activity and reporting it to Crime Stoppers.

Crime Stoppers and Victoria Police have released examples of the type of footage which can be submitted to assist investigators.

This includes CCTV or dashcam footage of suspicious behaviour such as people trying car doors or looking into vehicles, loitering outside properties, and looking through windows or attempting to enter homes.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Southern Metro Region Therese Fitzgerald said police take aggravated burglaries and car theft extremely seriously.

“Aggravated burglaries are a key area of concern for police. That’s why we’re so pleased to be teaming up with Crime Stoppers Victoria,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald said.

“When cars are stolen it’s of particular concern, as those vehicles can be used for other offending. We’re investing significant resources into combatting this issue.”

Acting Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald said that while police have patrols, dedicated operations, automatic numberplate technology, and the Air Wing, help from everyday Victorians is also crucial in bringing criminals to justice.

“We also need the community’s support. Information from the public is crucial in helping us track down offenders and hold them to account,” she said.

Aggravated burglary attracts a penalty of up to 25 years’ jail, while car thieves can be jailed for up to 10 years.

The community are urged to share CCTV footage and any information about suspicious activity with Crime Stoppers via crimestoppersvic.com.au, or by calling 1800 333 000.