Burglary, break and enter
Burglary is illegally entering someone’s house or dwelling with the intent to steal.
Consequences for the offender vary with the maximum penalty being 14 years in jail.
Consequences increase to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment when the burglary occurs at night between 9:00pm and 6:00am, the break-in is made with an accomplice or when there is an element of aggravation in the crime, such as the offender is armed or pretends to be.
You may also hear similar terms such as break and enter, enter with intent, stealing from dwelling and enter premises.
Five simple tips to help prevent your home or business from being broken into are:
- Key lock doors, including screen doors, windows, garages and sheds.
- Keep cash and valuables out of sight.
- Keep ladders and tools locked away so there is nothing handy for a thief to use to enter your home.
- Keep your keys, bag or wallet with you when carrying shopping from your car into your home.
- Make it as difficult as possible for an offender to want to steal your property.
Here are some of the recent burglary type offences Bundaberg Patrol Group officers are currently investigating:
Stealing from dwelling houses
- Nott Street, Norville: Between 11:30pm on February 16 and 4:30pm on February 22, unknown offender/s have allegedly entered a rear yard and accessed a patio area where a quantity of alcohol and small items were stolen. QP1600321035
- Hope Street, Bundaberg West: Between December 1 and February 10, unknown offenders have allegedly stolen a weight bench and free weights from an open carport area. QP1600317991
- Adies Road, Isis Central: Between December 1 and February 15, unknown offender/s have removed an Onga water pump from underneath a house. QP1600279996
Enter with intent
- Beachmere Street, Burnett Heads: Between 11:00pm and 11:59pm on February 18, unknown offender/s have allegedly entered a garage by a side door and opened all drawers and cupboards in the garage. Offender/s have allegedly attempted to enter a vehicle, although were unsuccessful and have caused vehicle damage to doors. QP1600299757
- Beachmere Street, Burnett Heads: Between 5:30pm on February 18 and 4:00am on February 19, unknown offenders have allegedly removed a flyscreen and gained entry through a window. Offenders have allegedly entered different rooms, stealing a digital camera, fishing equipment and cash. QP1600298635
Burglary, with breaking
- George Street, Bundaberg West: Between 10:00pm on February 17 and 2:00am on February 18, unknown offenders have allegedly poked a hole in a flyscreen and were then able to unlock a door. Offenders have allegedly stolen a quantity of alcohol, a handbag and wallet. QP1600294120
- Fritz Street, Thabeban: Between 8:30am and 4:15pm on February 14, unknown offender/s have allegedly attempted to gain entry to a home through two locked back doors. Damage has occurred to a security door and marks on framing were observed. Offender/s have allegedly entered an unlocked garden shed and stolen a ladies bicycle. QP1600270722
- Sylvan Drive, Moore Park Beach: On February 14 unknown offender/s have allegedly entered a garage by opening the unlocked roller door. It appears the power pox has been tampered with causing a power outage and the offender has allegedly entered the kitchen area. This is considered a sneak offence as residents were home at the time. QP1600268810
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.