Burglary in Wallace Road Wantirna South
Four youths face charges following an early-morning aggravated burglary in Wantirna South on Saturday the 31st of January.
Family Awoken During Early-Morning Break-In
Police allege four offenders entered a Wallace Road property about 4am. Inside the home, a woman and her three young children slept. Soon after, the family woke to the sound of their vehicle being driven out of the driveway. Thankfully, no one suffered physical injuries.
Police Patrols Locate Stolen Vehicle
In response, local police, supported by Operation Trinity and specialist units, conducted extensive patrols across the area. About 5am, officers located the stolen vehicle on Mount Dandenong Road in Croydon. Police say the driver attempted to evade interception. As a result, officers deployed stop sticks, successfully immobilising the vehicle.
Arrests Follow Short Foot Pursuit
The occupants abandoned the car and fled on foot. However, police arrested all four after a short pursuit. Members from the Croydon Divisional Response Unit and the Crime Reduction Team charged the offenders with aggravated burglary and motor vehicle theft.
Youths Remanded to Children’s Court
Those charged include a 15-year-old male and two 17-year-old males from the Yarra Ranges area, along with a 15-year-old from the Maroondah area. All four were remanded to appear before a Children’s Court at a later date.
Operation Trinity Targets Burglary Prevention
Operation Trinity operates nightly from dusk until dawn across Melbourne. The operation focuses on preventing burglaries and car thefts before they occur. Uniform police work alongside specialist units, including the Dog Squad, Public Order Response, and Air Wing. Over the past year, the operation has led to 627 offenders being arrested a combined 1,550 times. That figure equates to more than four arrests every day.
Police Urge Community Vigilance
Despite strong enforcement, police say prevention remains the priority. Offenders often act opportunistically, targeting unlocked homes and vehicles. Therefore, police urge residents to lock all doors and windows and secure vehicles at all times. Police say these simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of burglary.
