Police have arrested and charged two people following a spate of alleged burglaries at homes on the Mornington Peninsula in the last month.
Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation officers received reports of six holiday homes being targeted in the Greater Rye area between 3 and 29 July.
The burglaries are alleged to have occurred at properties in Reeves Street and Stringer Road, Blairgowrie; Hogan Drive and Balook and Percy Streets, Rye; and Constantine Avenue, St Andrews Beach.
In the majority of incidents, the properties were accessed via house keys left for future renters. The homes were then allegedly ransacked, with large quantities of whitegoods, appliances and furniture stolen.
No resident or renter was inside at the time.
Following enquires, police arrested a 34-year-old man and 36-year-old woman in Rye today.
Both were charged with handling stolen goods and possessing proceeds of crime.
The man was also charged with commit indictable offence while on bail.
Both will appear in Dromana Magistrate’s Court at a later date.
Police have seized more than 100 household items believed to have been stolen, which are in the process of being returned to their rightful owners.
At this stage, the incidents are believed to be linked.
Quotes attributable to Detective Sergeant Matt McCormack, Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit:
“Victoria Police is reminding homeowners – in particular, hosts who rent their properties out for short stays – to be mindful of securing their properties while no one is home.
“Think outside the box – or letterbox – when it comes to hiding keys for future renters. Don’t give opportunistic thieves easy access to your property.
“Remove all spare keys from outside the home, and ensure that all doors, windows and pet doors are locked.
“Consider installing CCTV and alarm systems to further secure your property and belongings.”
