Residents of Officer’s Lavender Estate are on high alert after a brazen attempted burglary and a separate report of suspicious behaviour sparked fears of escalating criminal activity in the area.
The incident took place around 3:18am on 29 June, when four individuals targeted a home on Rix Road. CCTV footage shows two of them jumping a fence and attempting to open multiple doors and windows, while a third stood watch from the street. The fourth person was not seen on camera, but is believed to have remained nearby.
Fortunately, the offenders were unable to gain entry, and police were called and arrived promptly at the scene.
Police confirmed they are investigating the attempted burglary. It is understood offenders attempted to enter a property on Curved Trunk Road about 3.50am.
Officers were told they were unsuccessful, jumped the garden fence and fled on foot.
The resident highlighted the Cardinia Crime Investigation unit attended and collected CCTV evidence.
“Their commitment was genuine, and we could see they are just as frustrated with these ongoing crimes,” the resident shared.
The parent said the detectives also informed them that attempted break-ins and car thefts had occurred in nearby streets that same night.
In the days that followed, the parent took to social media to share what they’d learned from police, neighbours and personal experience, in hopes of keeping the wider community informed and prepared.
According to the information shared, the offenders attempt entry through all possible access points—doors, windows, and even external flyscreens, which may be burned through.
“It’s important to remember that these are not petty thieves. There may be 4–5 people or more involved. They may be carrying weapons, so please don’t put yourself. Your life is more valuable than any item they could take,” the parent warned.
“These groups appear to be highly organised and are mainly targeting cars/ any valuables inside the house. Apparently, they often scope out streets during the day to identify potential high-value vehicles.
“Please check in with elderly neighbours, they may still be in the habit of leaving doors unlocked and neighbours who might not yet know.
“Interestingly, we learned that these individuals are often afraid of dogs. Even a small barking dog can act as a powerful deterrent.”
A few days later, the same resident also noticed a man wearing a hoodie and a face mask acting suspiciously in the afternoon. However, the figure quickly jumped the fence near the railway line after seeing the resident’s vehicle approach.CCTV from the initial burglary attempt has been widely shared online, sparking a strong community reaction. Many residents have expressed fear, anger, and calls for a more effective justice system, particularly as families are being targeted while asleep inside their homes.
“We’re not just worried about theft—we’re worried about what might happen if someone comes face-to-face with these people in the middle of the night,” one local told the Gazette in a vox pop.
He is urging the public to stay vigilant, secure their homes, and continue sharing information that could prevent future crimes.
“At the end of the day, we’re all in this together, regardless of our differences,” the parent said.
“It’s unsettling to feel unsafe in our own homes but sadly, this is the reality we face today.
Sharing knowledge empowers us as a community and helps raise our collective level of protection.
“Even a small conversation can lead to big improvements in our community safety. Let’s continue to share information, stay alert, and support each other. No one deserves to go through something like this, particularly when you’re asleep in your home with your children, expecting to feel safe.”
Victoria Police was contacted for comment.
