Home burglaries have reduced by 7% in the past year as failed attempts have also increased, as more Victorians lock up and install home security systems. While this trend is encouraging, there is more work to be done.

Victorians are now being urged to go one step further by sharing vision from home security systems and dashcams to help authorities drive down burglary and car theft across the state.

Crime Statistics Agency data released last week shows there were 27,953 home burglaries, 32,013 car thefts, and 82,947 vehicles broken into last year.

To support ongoing efforts, Crime Stoppers Victoria, in partnership with Victoria Police, has launched a new campaign, ‘Is Your Footage the Missing Puzzle Piece?’, encouraging Victorians to share footage with Crime Stoppers.

Across the state, residents are capturing incidents such as suspicious activity in neighbourhood streets, car break-ins and aggravated burglaries, often with information that could assist investigators.

Chief Executive of Crime Stoppers Victoria, Stella Smith said community-captured footage can make a significant difference in police investigations and help prevent further offending.

“Victorians are increasingly playing an active role in community safety, and the information they provide is making a real difference,” Ms Smith said.

This is reflected in online reports to Crime Stoppers increasing over 14% year-on-year.

“Home security systems and dash cams are capturing important details every day. Licence plates, distinctive clothing, vehicle types or suspicious behaviour can help police identify offenders and link incidents together.”

Ms Smith said many people already share footage within neighbourhood social media groups but reporting it directly to Crime Stoppers ensures it can reach investigators.

“Small details can become the crucial piece of evidence that helps police progress an investigation or stop further offending from occurring.”

With more people installing dashcams and home security systems, Crime Stoppers encourages sharing of footage to their online platform, “It is a simple process to upload images or videos and it can be done on a mobile or computer. You can even choose to remain anonymous,” Ms Smith reminds the community.

Victoria Police Inspector Dale Maxwell said while officers will continue to arrest burglars and car thieves in big numbers each day, ongoing community vigilance around their homes and vehicles will also be key to offending reducing to levels more traditionally seen in this state.

“It has been heartening to see a recent decrease in home break-ins, but the reality is far too many Victorians are still falling victim to this crime.

“We have several police operations targeting this issue, including Operation Trinity which runs across Melbourne each night.

“As part of this operation, police are pulling over suspect cars, patrolling hotspots, and monitoring movements around the homes of crooks to prevent offending.

“When burglaries and car thefts can’t be prevented, swift arrests are made.

“In fact, Operation Trinity led to the arrest of more than 600 burglars and car thieves almost 1,450 times last year alone.”