Police have launched Operation Subtract, a special operation to attack a rising trend in break-ins across metropolitan areas, according to SA Police.
The crackdown has been prompted by an increase of 3.4 per cent in reported serious criminal trespass offences in the 2015 - 2016 financial year compared with the previous financial year.
Police have recently concluded an analysis of results from an in-depth, four-month assessment of metropolitan break-ins between 1 August 2016 and 27 November 2016.
Data revealed that most break-ins occur on Friday, through a smashed rear door, with thieves targeting jewellery from residences and tools from sheds as their favourite items.
Superintendent John De Candia, Metropolitan Operations Service, says Operation Subtract comprises a three-point action plan of enforcement, community partnership and intelligence to combat the spike in break-ins across metropolitan Adelaide.
"Operational details remain confidential, but we can promise increased levels of identification of people of interest in key areas, joining up of more local tactical and investigational intelligence and greater scrutiny of second hand dealers and on-line selling forums.
"Over the course of Operation Subtract, police intend to reduce the amount of offences, put repeat offenders out of business and raise public awareness about basic crime prevention.
"Each metropolitan police local service area will identify people of interest, to help ensure offenders and their stolen property network is disrupted.
"The community has a big role to play in being resilient and minimising crime opportunities; without pulling any punches, a significant number of residential serious criminal trespasses are related in some way to involvement with illicit drugs.
"For example drug debts, where homes are invaded to steal vehicles, electronics and jewellery to settle drug debts, or attacks on homes for the purpose of stealing drug crops.
"Clearly, if you’re involved with drugs, you’re mixing with the wrong people and you are setting yourself up as a target.
"More importantly, you are putting the safety of your family and your home at risk.
"Residents and business owners can assist by being safety conscious; keeping their homes and premises locked, following security advice and being an alert neighbour will offer protection against opportunistic break-ins and thefts."
Operation Subtract will be underway for six months from January 2017 until June 2017.
For crime prevention and home and business security information, please visit here https://www.police.sa.gov.au/ and select "your safety" from the top menu.
Anyone with information about break-ins is asked to please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report on-line at https://crimestopperssa.com.au You can remain anonymous.
THE FACTS:
The most targeted non-residential premises:
Top 10 items stolen:
Most used entry points:
Days of the week recording the highest number of break-ins:
