<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Victoria is experiencing a surge in aggravated burglaries, prompting authorities and community groups to offer advice about how residents can keep their homes safe. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Crime statistics indicate a concerning trend, with thieves often exploiting simple vulnerabilities like unlocked doors.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"It's really important to think about not just the front door but any external doors, like balcony doors, make sure this is closed and locked up", said Nicoll Peschek from Neighbourhood Watch Victoria. </span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/rosanna-why-a-melbourne-creek-is-flowing-bright-blue/7004d1b2-30f4-427a-a9a3-99da9245e20a"><strong><span>Why a Melbourne creek is flowing bright blue</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>In 80 per cent of cases, thieves gain access through unlocked doors and windows – or just give up if the house is secure.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Doggy doors is an interesting one that's probably evolved over the last 12 to 18 months... the access points in the house can get quite unique and if you're not using it, think about taking it out," Victoria Police Acting Superintendent Andy McKee said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Security systems are another option. </span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/home-security-tips-break-ins-victoria/2ddb518e-8ff6-4833-9e8b-6e45fb2dafe5" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Technology can be an important part of keeping your home secure, things like CCTV, alarm systems," Peschek said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"But don't forget about the basics, having really good locks installed is really important."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/finance/unemployment-rate-june-2025-abs-data-interest-rates/26716d34-ab4d-4bfb-accf-d21bb375235b"><strong><span>Surprise data adds to case for interest rate cut next month</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Another key preventative measure involves concealing valuables and keys. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"It's best if you put your keys away out of sight, particularly away from front doors, so put them in a secure place like a drawer," Peschek said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It also pays to make it look like someone is at home, and to be safe online, as well as maintaining good habits when it comes to cars. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Making sure these (valuable) items are not in your car, connecting fobs to keys... simple things," McKee said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><em><span>This article was produced with the assistance of </span></em><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/technology/9express/16480c33-636a-461f-9c4f-d0e2522c722a"><em><span>9ExPress</span></em></a><em><span>.</span></em></div></div>