Police warn burglars on the prowl

Police say complacency may have cost Albany residents after a spate of home burglaries in the past week.

Since last Friday, 13 home burglaries have been reported.

However, Great Southern District Inspector Danny Vincent said homeowners could have prevented these by locking their doors and windows.

“Nine of the 13 burglaries happened through unlocked doors and unlocked windows,” he said.

“If an offender is standing outside (a home) and their neighbour has a window open, they will go for the easier target.

“If people don’t take these measures and secure their homes, they are providing opportunities for local offenders and they will take advantage of these opportunities.”

Insp. Vincent said offences most often happened at night — sometimes while the owners were home.

“Just because you’re home and have lights on, it doesn’t mean an offender won’t take advantage,” he said.

Despite home burglaries being down in Albany by 20 per cent, compared to the same time last year, Insp. Vincent said they had increased across the Great Southern region by 6 per cent. “Perhaps it’s complacency because it’s a country town,” he said.

“We are adding to the (crime) numbers if we continue to leave doors open. Please lock up, report suspicious behaviour and look out for your neighbours.”