Burglaries at Stawell have increased by a staggering 48 per cent, new crime figures released on Thursday showed.
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There were 25 reported burglaries in Stawell in 2014, 39 in 2015 and 58 last year.
The latest figure was the highest number of burglary related offences recorded in the last five years.
Stawell Acting Sergeant Bryan Anderson said police will be working out strategies to combat the spike in crime.
“Any rise in crime will be raised will be closely looked at,” he said.
“This is a nation wide issue and it must be addressed through a multi-agency approach, from schools and education to youth councillors and the justice system, everyone must play a part.”
Acting Sergeant Anderson said Stawell residents must assess their properties and ensure strong security measures are put in place.
“If you are going away alert your neighbours, register property with the police and ensure mail from letterboxes is removed, it is the small things that can make a difference,” he said.
“Home burglars tend to target homes they know are not occupied, so being careful about what you post on social media for example is another way to protect your home.”
Stawell resident Kylee Beasley has had thieves break into her house two times during the last 12 months.
Offenders stole the keys to her vehicle from her home in February and took the car on a joy ride, before it was recovered by police.
“I have put security sensor lights around my house and put padlocks on the gates,” she said.
“I was going to install security cameras, but I am moving out of my house in the next four weeks, so I will definitely be installing a security camera on my new premises.”
Ms Beasley said she no longer wanted to live in fear and it was one of the reasons why she decided to move.
“I have been targeted twice in this house now, it’s just not good what is happening,” she said.
“All of these burglaries and these figures are just heartbreaking to see, it is dreadful for such a small community.”