By Luke Voogt
An 18-year-old Norlane man is out on bail after he and a 19-year-old Corio man allegedly stole a car during a pair of aggravated burglaries on Monday morning.
Tasking and Crime Intervention Team (TACIT) officers arrested the two men earlier this week in relation to aggravated burglaries in Lovely Banks and Highton, police said.
Police alleged the two men took a set of keys from inside a garage and fled in a stolen car during the first burglary in the early hours of Monday morning.
Later that morning, they gained access to another home via an unlocked door and stole a wallet and a set of car keys before fleeing, police alleged.
Police arrested the men and charged them with a range of offences including aggravated burglary, motor vehicle theft and driving while disqualified.
The 19-year-old was remanded into custody and will reappear in Geelong Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
The 18-year-old was initially remanded but bailed the next day to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
TACIT and Torquay Criminal Investigation Unit officers also arrested an 18-year-old Anglesea man this week in relation to a series of holiday home burglaries.
Police charged the man in relation to 31 burglaries and theft-related offences at the unoccupied holiday homes, where he allegedly stole cash, electrical items and alcohol.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
The arrests were helping to “put the brakes on opportunistic home and car thieves”, police said.
They come as Geelong police observe an increase in aggravated burglaries and car thefts, according to Inspector Paul Edebone.
While “the vast majority of the community” were doing the “right thing”, this had “not stopped opportunistic home and car thieves [using] this time to offend”, he said.
“However, we want to reassure the community that local police are working hard to arrest offenders and hold them to account.
“We know it can be a traumatic experience for anyone who is a victim of this crime which is why we are committed to arresting offenders and putting them before the courts.
“Home burglaries are often opportunistic; with thieves trying to enter homes without being detected and avoiding confrontation.
“They’ll often do this by trying to enter through any unlocked doors and windows in your home.”
But with more people staying at home, the chance of occupants being confronted by burglars had increased, Inspector Edebone said.
“We want to remind the community that this is not the time to become complacent about home or vehicle security.”
Victoria Police recommends residents store car keys out of view and away from external windows.
“Make sure you have your keys with you at all times,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
“This includes times when you are out and you’ve left your car at home.
“Don’t tag your car keys with your name or address. Use a mobile phone number instead.
“Never leave a spare set of house keys or car keys in your car.”
Police also recommended installing good quality locks on doors and windows and removing valuables from plain sight.
“Lock all windows and doors, even when you’re at home – unlocked side and rear doors are the most common entry points for burglars.”
