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Operation Trinity: Addressing Aggravated Burglaries and Car Thefts
Manningham, like much of Melbourne, has seen an alarming rise in aggravated burglaries, particularly those involving youth offenders. These young criminals often take advantage of unlocked homes during the early morning hours, leaving homeowners to wake up and find their car keys and vehicles gone.
In response, Victoria Police launched Operation Trinity in March 2023. This initiative has significantly boosted police presence, with over 70 officers, including The Dog Squad, Public Order Response, and Air Wing, supporting nightly patrols.
Operation Trinity has made a significant impact, with more than 1,400 arrests in the last year, averaging nearly four arrests a day. (Source: Victoria Police) This dedicated effort by law enforcement aims to restore safety and peace of mind to the Manningham community.
A Rise in Criminal Activity
According to the Crime Statistics Agency, total criminal incidents in Manningham have surged by 16.2% compared to last year.
Protecting Your Home and Valuables
Homeowners are urged to take proactive measures to safeguard their property:
- Securely lock all doors and windows.
- Install security systems such as monitored alarms, cameras, and sensor lighting.
- Use a peephole (door viewer) to check who is at your door.
- Avoid leaving items, such as parcels, outside.
- Keep valuables like car keys away from windows.
- Consider installing a safe for valuables.
- Use GPS trackers on vehicles and valuable items, including designer bags.
- Install "Find My" applications on devices such as phones and laptops.
- Regularly back up computer data.
- Lock away tools and ladders to prevent them from being used for break-ins.
If You're Going Away
To maintain the appearance that your home is occupied while you're away:
- Ask a trusted neighbour or friend to collect your mail, take out/bring in bins, and park in your driveway.
- Set timers to turn lights on and off at varied times.
- Consider installing a video doorbell to monitor activity remotely.
- Be cautious about sharing holiday plans on social media—wait until you return to post pictures or videos.
If You Encounter Suspicious Activity
Your safety is paramount. If you find yourself in danger or witness suspicious behaviour, move to a safe location as quickly as possible and call Triple Zero (000) for immediate police assistance. For non-emergency situations, you can contact the Police Assistance Line at 131 444.
Staying calm and acting swiftly can make all the difference in these situations.(Source: Victoria Police)
