Lock upor else

By Jade Lawton
POLICE are urging residents and business owners in Pakenham to secure their properties after a spate of burglaries on the weekend.
The call comes after latest statistics reveal that residential burglaries in the Cardinia Shire police service area have increased by 7.2 per cent in the past year, with 313 burglaries reported in the April 2008 to March 2009 period.
In April 2007 to March 2008, residents reported 292 burglaries.
Last weekend, thieves attempted to enter the Senior Citizens Club in James Street, Pakenham.
The attempts were unsuccessful but Senior Citizens Club president Allan Robinson said the vandalism would still cost the club hundreds of dollars.
“An attempt was made on every door of the building. When members got here on Saturday all the locks were smashed and mangled and they all have to be replaced,” he said.
Acting Senior Sergeant David Smith, of Pakenham Police, said the Pakenham Bowls Club was also targeted on the weekend, with thieves taking off with alcohol.
A fish and chip shop on the Princes Highway was also burgled, with soft drink stolen.
The previous weekend thieves also stole cash from a Pakenham dental office and broke in to a conveyancer and building services office.
Between 13 and 16 July thieves stole a Plasma TV, amplifier and DVD player from a Meeking Drive address and a computer from a Camelia Way home.
Act Snr Sgt Smith said it was an unusual number of crimes for the area.
“I would encourage people to take responsibility for the security of the premises, which extends to locking doors and windows when they go out,” he said.
Region Five Inspector, John Stapleton, also encouraged residents to be responsible for the security of their homes and possessions.
“The community should know that Cardinia is a safe place to live and they can also help reduce crime using common sense preventative measures,” he said.
“Residents should ensure that houses, cars and farm sheds are secured, and that motor vehicles’ keys are not left in vehicles, and valuables removed before parking. People should report any suspicious activity immediately so we can take action.”
Meanwhile, incidents reported as burglary (other), designating commercial burglaries, have dropped by just over 10 per cent.
Anyone with information on the crimes should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.