Stolen car used in burglary spree

By Aneeka Simonis

A CAR stolen in a brazen home burglary in Officer has been used to commit several other serious burglaries across the south-east region.
Investigators have so far linked four African males and one Pacific Islander male to the aggressive burglary spree where houses in Cranbourne North and Clyde North have had their doors kicked in and items stolen.
Between 8am and 5.30pm on Thursday 17 November, offenders kicked in the front door of an Arena Parade, Officer home and stole the keys to the victim’s 2005 silver Holden Berlina.
Police said the car was sighted at a petrol drive off at BP service station located on the intersection of Narre Warren Road and Cranbourne Road in Cranbourne North at 3pm the next day.
CCTV from the petrol station captured one African male and one Pacific Islander male.
Police said the same car had been used in four separate burglaries in Cranbourne North and Clyde North in the early afternoon on Friday 18 November and Saturday 19 November.
Three homes at Rosebank Drive, Crestway Drive and Sussex Avenue in Cranbourne North had their front doors kicked in, and homes ransacked.
A similar burglary at a home in Sanfratello Street, Clyde North, has been linked to the offenders.
Casey Crime Investigation Unit Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Michelle Chaing warned residents to be wary of and report youths acting suspiciously in their neighbourhood.
“We would love for everyone to get a security door. People need to hide their valuables. These offenders are walking up and kicking the front door open,” she said.
“Be vigilant of youths hanging around. Victims have noticed groups of youths watching, and believe they are casing the home for when victims leave.”
The burglaries occurred between noon – 4pm.
Det Acting Sen Sgt Chaing said the crime spree was opportunistic.
“They are picking soft targets. In the Clyde North and Cranbourne North area, there are new houses and new neighbours. Security isn’t its best … there are vulnerable points of entry.
“It’s not necessarily organised.”
Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit is also investigating another similar burglary in Beaconsfield, which occurred within the same time as the initial car theft and burglary at the nearby Officer home on Thursday 17 November. The Fieldstone Boulevard, Beaconsfield home had its door kicked in between 1pm – 2.30pm. More than $2000 worth of jewellery, watches, iPhones and coins were stolen.
Anyone with information about the burglary spree is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.