Aggravated burglary in Victoria has reached a record high, rising by 26.8% in the past year alone.
Crime Statistics data shows that up to 80% of these incidents involve offenders entering through unlocked doors or windows—or abandoning the attempt once they discover the home is secured.
In response, Crime Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police are encouraging Victorians to take simple but effective steps to secure their homes—and to share any suspicious footage with Crime Stoppers.
Keeping Your Community Safe.
Suspicious Activity
- Strangers or unknown cars on your street,
- People peering into homes or vehicles,
- Loud or unusual noises like barking dogs or alarms,
- Someone walking up driveways without reason,
- Cars parked oddly, or anything that feels out of the ordinary.
What to Report
- CCTV footage of suspicious activity,
- The time and day you saw it,
- A description of the person (age, height, hair color, or clothing),
- Vehicle details like rego, make, model, colour, and unique features (e.g. dents or stickers) can help an investigation.
14.1% of all home burglaries were failed attempts when the offender discovered the house was locked.
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Emotional Toll of Aggravated Burgalaries
For victims of aggravated burglary, the emotional aftermath can be just as devastating as the crime itself.
The Key to Safety
Home should be your safest place—but making it secure takes intention. Practical steps to protect your home—and your peace of mind.
Is It Locked?
Is It On?
Are Lights On?
Is It Closed?
Can You See?
Top Five Home Security Tips
Opportunistic thieves often break into unlocked or vacant homes.
- Lock all doors and windows, even when you are at home.
- If your garage has an internal access door to the house, make sure it’s locked at all times—even when the garage door is shut.
- Install security lights or sensor lights around entryways.
- Consider installing an alarm system or surveillance camera with clear coverage of all entry points. Ensure any recorded footage is stored securely so it’s accessible if needed.
- Offenders have been known to target unlocked doggy doors as an easy way in. Secure or cover them when not in use.
- Lock all doors and windows, even when you are at home.
Find more tips from Victoria Police here.
Top Five Home Security Tips
Opportunistic thieves often break into unlocked or vacant homes to steal.
- Make sure your house is visible from the street so passersby and neighbours can detect any suspicious activity.
- Keep all keys, including spares, in a secure place – never leave keys in your car.
- Keep your car locked while driving park your car in a locked garage if possible – or park in your driveway or a well-lit area if they are preferred alternatives.
- Bring in your bins and collect mail regularly so your home looks lived in – ask a neighbour to bring your bin in or collect your mail if you are away for a while.
- Consider additional security measures such as security screen doors, sensor lights, a monitored alarm system and overt CCTV
Find more tips from Victoria Police here.
Top Five Home Security Tips
Links & Resources
Links & Resources
What Do I Do If I SeeSomeone Breaking In To A House?
Call Triple Zero (000), remain calm and find a safe location. Note the following: the individual(s) appearance, date, time and what you saw.
If the incident occurred in the past, contact the police assistance line on 131 444.
You may prefer to Contact Crime Stoppers Victoria online or call us on 1800 333 000 to share crime information anonymously.
If the incident occurred in the past, contact the police assistance line on 131 444.
You may prefer to Contact Crime Stoppers Victoria online or call us on 1800 333 000 to share crime information anonymously.
What Do I Do If I See Suspicious Activity On My Street?
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately to report any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood.
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via our online reporting page to share crime information anonymously.
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via our online reporting page to share crime information anonymously.
What Do I Do If I Have Been Invovled In An Aggravated Burglary?
Please call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 and make a report.
If your car has been stolen, notify your insurance company.
You may also be entitled to apply for financial assistance from the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) for any physical or mental harm you suffer during the crime.
If your car has been stolen, notify your insurance company.
You may also be entitled to apply for financial assistance from the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) for any physical or mental harm you suffer during the crime.
What Do I Do If I Have Been Invovled In An Aggravated
Burglary And Need Support?
Please contact The Victims of Crime Helpline on 1800 819 817.
The website provides information on the common emotional and physical reactions, how to best support a family member or friend, and how to help a child who has been affected by crime.
If you require urgent crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
The website provides information on the common emotional and physical reactions, how to best support a family member or friend, and how to help a child who has been affected by crime.
If you require urgent crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
What Do I Do If I SeeSomeone Breaking In To A House?
Remain calm and once you are in a safe location, note the following:
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-
-
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- The individual(s) appearance
- Date and time
- What you saw
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-
-
What Do I Do If I See Suspicious Activity On My Street?
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately to report any suspicious activity in your neighbourhood.
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via our online reporting page to share crime information anonymously.
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via our online reporting page to share crime information anonymously.
What Do I Do If I Have Been Invovled In An Aggravated Burglary?
Please call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 and make a report.
If your car has been stolen, notify your insurance company.
You may also be entitled to apply for financial assistance from the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) for any physical or mental harm you suffer during the crime.
If your car has been stolen, notify your insurance company.
You may also be entitled to apply for financial assistance from the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal (VOCAT) for any physical or mental harm you suffer during the crime.
What Do I Do If I Have Been Invovled In An Aggravated
Burglary And Need Support?
Please contact The Victims of Crime Helpline on 1800 819 817.
The website provides information on the common emotional and physical reactions, how to best support a family member or friend, and how to help a child who has been affected by crime.
If you require urgent crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
The website provides information on the common emotional and physical reactions, how to best support a family member or friend, and how to help a child who has been affected by crime.
If you require urgent crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Share with Crime Stoppers Victoria 24/7 Online
Remember: You are in control of how much information you share, and you can choose to be anonymous.
