Martin Duke and Sen Sgt Angelo Ferrara in Torquay’s Gilbert St.
By Cherie Donnellan
TORQUAY police have warned businesses to install security systems after a spate of break-ins.
Senior Sergeant Angelo Ferrara said burglars had hit 20 commercial properties in Torquay over the past 10 months.
Reports of retail and food shop break-ins had increased in recent months, Sen Sgt Ferrara said.
“It’s been an emerging issue for us. We’ve been called to a lot of overnight break-ins.
“We’ve found that so many shops haven’t been alarmed, therefore we aren’t finding out about the break-in until the next morning.”
Sen Sgt Ferrara urged Torquay business owners to review their security arrangements.
“We’d encourage owners that haven’t got an alarm fitted to get them done,” he said.
“It gives us a greater chance of catching offenders or at least it gives police notification of the break-in at the earliest possible time.”
Sen Sgt Ferrara said inferior locks on windows and doors were also a problem.
“Offenders are obviously targeting shops that are reasonably easy to get into because the locks aren’t the best or the shops aren’t alarmed.”
Sen Sgt Ferrara said many of the break-ins were within Torquay’s town centre.
“If anyone who lives around the CBD sees a suspicious vehicle or person they need to notify police straight away.”
Torquay Traders Association president Martin Duke said the recent statistics “surprised” him.
He urged business owners to increase their diligence with security and close-up practices.
“I’ve noticed that shop owners and staff often leave cash registers and valuables in plain sight after the shop had been closed for the day.”
Mr Duke also advised Torquay traders to take money and valuables off the property when closed.
“Bank your profit and take valuables off the property or you will be a target for criminals.”
Mr Duke said the traders association ordered additional security during holiday periods and schoolies celebrations to minimise risks.
