Police are investigating a number of break and enters in high rise apartments across Townsville recently.
Investigations indicate unknown offenders have gained entry to high rise apartments at Douglas, Belgian Gardens and Townsville City by scaling high-rise buildings and gaining entry to units through unlocked balcony doors.
Between 9.30pm on Tuesday, 6 October and 2am on Wednesday, 7 October, unknown offenders have gained entry to a fourth-floor unit on Aplin Street, Townsville City by climbing onto a rear balcony.
Between 22 September and 6 October, while a resident was away, unknown offenders have attempted to gain entry to a Bundock Street, Belgian Gardens however were unsuccessful due to the premises being appropriately secured.
About 1.20am this morning, 8 October unknown offenders have attempted to gain entry to a number of units on Angus Smith Drive, Douglas before fleeing.
Townsville District Crime Services Detective Acting Inspector Adam Golding said police are actively looking for the offenders.
“As part of ongoing crime in Townsville, there has been property crime occurring in high rise buildings across the district,” Detective Acting Inspector Golding said.
“Whether you are in a high rise building or a low-level house you can be susceptible to being broken in.
“Many high-rise break-ins occur through open or unlocked balcony doors.
“We encourage all residents to ensure they use basic security measures including locking their windows and doors whether they are at home or not, or on the first floor or the thirty-first floor. If you see something suspicious or someone climbing a building, we encourage you to call police.”
Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed or have CCTV footage of offenders scaling buildings to come forward.
Apartment / high rise Security Tips
- Lock Balcony Doors: Many high-rise break-ins happen through open or unlocked sliding balcony doors and screens-even several floors up. Always lock them when unmonitored or sleeping.
- Control Intercom and Common Access: Use your building’s intercom properly to verify visitors. Do not let unfamiliar visitors slip in behind you into lobbies, stairwells, or elevators.
- Secure Communal Areas: Ensure garage roller doors close completely behind you, and lock shared spaces like laundries, bicycle cages, and storage rooms.
- Underground Carpark Safety: Lock your car and remove all valuables or garage remotes even when parked in a secure underground residential lot.
- Know Your Neighbours: Build a rapport with adjacent residents so you can watch out for unusual activity or collect mail when someone is away.
For more information and tips on home and personal security, check out the following link – Safety and preventing crime | QPS
