17/12/03
Burglars have been warned that new forensic technology - and increased vigilance by police and the community - will have a major impact on preventing their activities this summer.
That's the message from the 'Burglar Beware' campaign launched today by Community Safety Minister Michelle Roberts as part of the State Government's action plan to reduce burglaries.
Mrs Roberts said the campaign, which included billboard and radio advertising, would target burglars, outlining new crime-fighting initiatives leading to their capture. The campaign will also inform the community of measures they could take to protect their property.
"Reducing burglaries has been a priority in our Government's community safety program," she said.
"This new Burglar Beware campaign will provide the community with more information on how to crack down on this crime.
"It is also designed to inform burglars that their time is up. Through the introduction of new forensic techniques, such as DNA and improved finger print matching capabilities, they will be caught - it is only a matter of when."
Mrs Roberts said the State Government had established a Burglary Reduction Taskforce to co-ordinate the action plan against burglary. In addition, Assistant Commissioner Tim Atherton was now responsible for targeting burglaries through police campaigns.
"Recent crime statistics have highlighted that our program is on track - more than a six per cent drop in home burglaries and nearly a 13 per cent drop in burglaries in commercial buildings," the Minister said.
"Research figures released yesterday support this downward trend. Their data not only reveals a three per cent drop for burglaries in 2002, but also a 13.5 per cent drop in November 2003, compared with the same month in 2002.
"Most significant are the statistics for the 11 month period to November, which indicate a decrease of nearly five per cent for home burglaries and a nine per cent drop for commercial properties."
Mrs Roberts said the Office of Crime Prevention and the Police Service were developing a range of new strategies to reduce burglary. Key elements of the program included targeting repeat offenders, policing burglary 'hot spots' and making it harder for burglars to dispose of stolen goods.
"Burglary is everybody's issue - we all have a role to play in reducing burglary and success will only be achieved through a long-term, united approach," she said.
"Burglar Beware is another important step in our program to make our communities safe. By informing people on a personal action plan, they can take the necessary steps to help stop crime from occurring in the first place."
Mrs Roberts also announced the release today of a $300,000 funding package to sponsor community safety and crime prevention initiatives.
"The Community Partnership Fund will provide funds for projects of up to $5,000 to make our community safer and more secure at all times," she said.
"The fund is being organised in conjunction with local government and is another very positive initiative as part of our crime-fighting partnership."
Minister's Office - 9213 6600
