Police say, 'Don't make it easy for thieves'

Age-old practices like placing a spare key under a pot plant or the front doormat or in an unlocked garage leave residents vulnerable to theft.

Police area commander Superintendent Jason Box says residents must be more vigilant in protecting their homes.

"Don't leave keys in easily accessible places. It just makes it too easy for thieves," he said.

"A lot of these break-ins are in the early hours of the morning, and I have no doubt people are looking at premises during the day to see which ones to target.

"So keep an eye out in your neighbourhood. If you see anyone loitering about in your street that is not supposed to be there, let us know.

"We will always take your call to us seriously. You know your area; if you see something or someone suspicious, you won't be bothering us if you let us know. We want to know.

"We are aware and you won't be criticised for calling us. I encourage you that if you see anything suspicious, let us know. We won't be dismissive of you at all. We believe people are coming from outside our area to commit these crimes and we want to catch them."

Superintendent Box said police also have zero tolerance for unsociable behaviour in suburban streets and public places and will be focusing on ridding the area of perpetrators.

"Call the police station or triple zero (000). If you see anyone hooning in your street or any anti-social behaviour, let us know," he said.

"The community are our best resource and we should always ensure there is public safety. We have zero-tolerance for street offences, anti sociable behaviour or any crime that is committed in our suburban streets or public places."