Latrobe City Council has partnered with the Latrobe City Community Safety Advisory Committee to launch a new community safety campaign to help reduce theft related crime rates across the region. ‘Lock up your stuff’ is an initiative that promotes what community members can do to prevent themselves from becoming a victim of crime.
According to Latrobe Police Area’s 2023 incidents register, there were 638 criminal offences involving theft from a motor vehicle compared to 419 (34 percent increase) in the previous year. Similarly, Burglary/Break and Enters increased by 33 percent (554 to 740) over the same period.
Most burglaries and thefts occur when opportunistic thieves take advantage of unlocked homes and cars. To avoid the risk of this occurring, it is essential that residents always lock up entry-points to their homes and vehicles, especially at night.
The campaign will be used to raise awareness about the importance of locking up your property and provide information and resources to educate the community, such as the following safety checklist:
- Lock all doors and close all windows every time you leave the house.
- Secure your keys and other valuables.
- Never leave your car running or the keys in your car.
- If possible, install anti-theft devices (cameras or alarms) and ensure they work well.
Latrobe City Council, Chief Executive Officer, Steven Piasente, emphasised that this campaign will empower residents to protect themselves from potential offenders and help Latrobe City become a safer community for all.
“Community safety is about reducing and preventing crime and creating environments where people feel safe and connected. When community safety is jeopardised, it can have detrimental impacts on health and wellbeing,” said Mr Piasente.
“The lock up your stuff campaign uses simple safety steps to create powerful change.Theft and crime are prevalent issues, not just in our region but across the whole state. If we all do our best to address this head-on, we can reduce theft occurrences and ensure that our region is a safe place for everyone who lives, works and visits Latrobe City. I urge everyone to take this matter seriously and share the campaign with their family and friends.”
The campaign also includes information about how to report a crime or burglary. If a crime is happening now, or if it’s urgent, always call triple zero. If you suspect or witness a crime, alert local police, Crime Stoppers and your neighbours.
If a crime has already occurred, phone the Police Assistance Line 131 444 or submit an online report 24/7 via www.onlinereporting.police.vic.gov.au for all non-urgent matters including theft of valuables or money, property damage, and lost property. Always notify your insurer and obtain a police report for any claims.
To learn more about crime and theft prevention, visit Council’s webpage here: www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/lockup or email communitysafety@latrobe.vic.gov.au