Broadmeadows and Dallas were among the most burgled suburbs in the state last financial year, according to the RACV’s latest statistics.
One in every 32 houses in Broadmeadows and Dallas was burgled between July 2013 and June 2014, while the average across the state is one in 73.
Coolaroo and Meadows Heights were also high on the list, with a burglary rate of one in 33 homes.
Mernda and Doreen were close behind with a burglary rate of one in 36 houses.
Hume police crime prevention officer Jacqui Newman said the results were no surprise.
“These suburbs have always been hit really hard,” she said, and suggested residents make their homes look lived-in to deter thieves.
“I leave a radio in my laundry on a timer that comes on during the day so people think someone’s home,” she said.
Acting Inspector Stuart Morris is based at Mill Park police station, which is often the first port of call for incidents in Doreen and Mernda.
He said that because the suburbs didn’t have their own police station, they lacked the visible police presence enjoyed by suburbs closer to the city. He said this explained their attraction for thieves.
“The demographic is young families, often with two people in the workforce who leave the house vacant during the day,” he said.
Mernda police station campaigner Tom Joseph said the statistics provided further momentum for his campaign.
Labor committed $15 million for a police station in Mernda/Doreen in August. The Coalition is yet to match that promise.
