Mount Evelyn
2 Tuesday, 20 June, 2017
Allergy battle
5
Trees policy defended
A Mail News Group publication
15-16
Best in local sport
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Stealing is easy By Wendy Williamson
12355704-PB25-17
Complacency on the part of homeowners is aiding burglars. That’s the view of Lilydale police inspector Peter Wheeler, as the latest crime statistics reveal a 30.7 per cent increase in burglary or break and enter offences in the Yarra Ranges over the past year. “Don’t make it easy for thieves to gain access by leaving garage doors open or doors and windows unlocked,” Inspector Wheeler said. He added that homeowners should also consider installing deadlocks and alarms to deter wouldbe burglars. The number of burglaries in the Yarra Ranges Police Service Area rose from 592 in the 12 months to the end of March 2016 to 774 a year later. The rise in the number of burglaries in the Yarra Ranges was steeper than for the state as a whole, where the rise was 4.5 per cent. On the other hand crimes against the person rose 7.5 per cent across the state and only 3.3 per cent in the Yarra Ranges. The total number of criminal offences in the Yarra Ranges rose 7.1 per cent, from 8219 in the year ending March 2016 to 8804 by the end of March 2017. It was property and deception offences which increased the most significantly in the Yarra Ranges - up 9.9 per cent. This category includes arson, which was down 36.8 per cent and property damage, which went down 21.4 per cent. However, as well as the number of burglaries going up 30.7 per cent, thefts increased by 21 per cent. “Any increase in any category is a concern,” said Inspector Wheeler. “We aim to reduce crime.” He stressed the need for homeowners to be vigilant and for people to use their common sense and not leave valuables in their vehicles - even in their driveways. “It astounds me the number of times we have to remind people not to leave valuables in their cars and to lock their cars. We’re used to thieves targeting cars in car parks. Now we are finding that under cover of darkness offenders - often young kids - are targeting cars parked in driveways.” Tradies, he added, were falling victim to thieves when they left tools in the back of their vehicles. “We need the public to assist by adopting commonsense measures,” Inspector Wheeler said. “What I would encourage is participation in our Eyewatch page. We’re getting a lot of success with this collaborative approach which relies very heavily on the public reporting what they have seen.” Want to help? Go to www.facebook.com/eyewatchyarrarangespsa.
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Caterpillar Guides inch towards goal The Mount Evelyn Caterpillar Guides are aiming to attend next year’s highly anticipated Sydney Jamboree. To help them achieve their goal, on Tuesday 27 June the Guides are holding their ‘Guidetastic’ market night, which will feature craft stalls, bake sales, fresh produce, homemade jam and more. Join in from 7pm to 8.30pm at the Mount Evelyn Guide Hall at Wedderburn Crescent (behind the town hall). Pictured, from left, are Mount Evelyn Guides Elly Taylor and Kate Russo before their recent fund-raiser, the International Adventure Day.
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