Stawell police have issued a warning to residents to ensure all valuable possessions are properly secured in homes and garages after two burglaries in the town.
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Tools valued at $3500 were stolen from a Moonlight Street property by an unknown offender on the morning of October 18.
A car in an open garage on Houston Street was also broken into and had its contents stolen on October 24.
Both incidents are being investigated.
Senior Constable Jamie Bennett said a clear pattern of criminal behaviour has caused concern for police.
“The increase in thefts and burglaries that Stawell has seen recently is something we are focused on and committed to stamping out,” he said.
A male resident at the Moonlight Street property found the garage door open and noticed two hydraulic hammers had been removed along with other tools.
The victim put a post about the theft on Facebook to issue a warning to residents in the Stawell area.
He also reported seeing a young male dressed in a black hoodie and pants on his property four days prior to the incident.
“I've had Kingcraft and Kincrome spanners and sockets stolen as well as a Kincrome leather punch set, Baumr-AG demolition hammer, Baumr-AG rotary drill, McCulloch chainsaw and other power tools, hand tools and air tools stolen,” he said in the post.
The Ararat police are investigating the property theft.
Senior Constable Bennett said the crimes were limited.
“We want to express the importance of residents ensuring maximum effort in locking all doors and securing all valuables so further burglaries can be prevented at Stawell,” he said.
