Burglary round-up

By Tania Martin
POLICE say they have broken a burglary ring which has been responsible for thefts from hills homes over the past five months.
Officers from the Yarra Ranges Tasking Unit based at Olinda have arrested a 29-year-old Boronia woman and a 30-year man also from Boronia.
Police last week said the arrests were made possible with help from the local community.
It is estimated that a spate of more than 30 burglaries in the Dandenongs had netted the raiders $300,000 worth of goods.
Senior Detective Mark Molly of the Yarra Ranges Tasking Unit said the arrests were the result of a two-month investigation.
“What helped in the end was the vigilance shown by neighbours,” he said.
Sen Det Molly said the information provided by the local community had been pivotal in the investigation and the subsequent arrests.
He said hill houses are often an easy target for would-be raiders as they are isolated and obscured from view.
“Often the best form of security is a good neighbourhood network, where people work together to protect their homes,” he said.
During the investigation, Sen Det Molly said it became apparent that there was also an inclination for some hills people to leave certain parts of their homes vulnerable.
“The majority of the offences in this investigation involved entry through rear sliding doors,” he said.
Sen Det Molly said homeowners generally focussed on their front door, but leave other entry points under secured.
He said they also tend to hide valuables in fairly obvious locations.
“I think the days of having a shoe box full of jewellery in the wardrobe are over,” Sen Det Molly said.
“People need to think out a better strategy for protecting their assets.”
Olinda police are now in the possession of a large quantity of jewellery and household items seized from search warrants relating to the offenders.
People who have lost goods during recent home burglaries in the Dandenongs should call Olinda police on 9751 1241 to arrange a time to inspect the property.
A Boronia man was charged and remanded in custody last Tuesday (22 July). He was then release on bail following a court appearance in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court yesterday (28 July).
The man is now due to appear before the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court in October.
He has been charged with 21 offences, but police say this could increase as they review a number of burglaries in the hills over the past six months.
A 29-year-old Boronia woman has also been bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 30 September.