BREAK and enters are finally on the decline in Armidale, however, police are warning residents that offenders may start targeting motor vehicles as the city’s homes become increasingly secure.
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Superintendent Fred Trench said the past few days have been pleasing for police combating a spate of home burglaries.
Late on Tuesday afternoon detectives made a third arrest in three days, charging a 14-year-old with possession of house breaking implements in connection with an incident last year. Superintendent Trench said he was glad to see the message of home security was sinking in.
“We are seeing a marked decrease in these offences,” he said.
“For example on Wednesday night we had one attempted break-in in Armidale, but as it had locked windows and doors, they couldn’t get in.
“But unfortunately one house was broken into – [the offenders] cut a fly screen and opened an unlocked window.
“There is a decline, but we are going to continue our efforts regardless.”
The New England Local Command has campaigned relentlessly for residents to lock their windows and doors,as the number of burglaries skyrocketed this month.
Officers have made progress in apprehending offenders, with their extra patrols resulting in an arrest of a 44-year-old on Sunday, and the arrest of a 13-year-old and a 14-year-old on Tuesday.
The heavy police presence and security-savvy residents may have deterred thieves, but Superintendent Trench warned against complacency.
“Now is not the time to relax,” Superintendent Trench said. “We may see a move into other offences, such as thefts from motor vehicles.
“People should take care to remove their valuables from view and remember to keep their cars locked.”