VULNERABLE elderly residents are being urged to lock up after a spate of burglaries at retirement villages.
Police responded to a total of seven reported offences — four attempted break and enters and three burglaries — at the Brooklea Retirement Village and the Cranbrae Village at Cranbrook between Saturday and Monday.
Kirwan Police Officer-in-Charge Acting Senior Sergeant Brenton Webb said the opportunistic thieves targeted the retirement villages between about 7pm and 10pm, stealing wallets, phones and other personal items were stolen.
On one occasion, an elderly resident was at home.
“Brooklea had two burglaries where offenders gained entry and Cranbrae had five incidents but only one was successful,” he said.
“What was pleasing with those five offences (was that) four were attempts (attempted break and enters) .
“The residents had taken appropriate security measures preventing offenders from gaining entry.”
In all seven incidents the offenders poked a hole in to the security mesh and tried to flick the latch.
“Police have increased their patrols in these areas and we will continue to increase patrols in areas that have been identified as, or projected to be, property crime hot spots,” Act Sen Sgt Webb said.
“Any property crime is cause for alarm however for the elderly it increases their insecurity.”
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
