By ANEEKA SIMONIS
BUILDING or renovating a home in Cardinia Shire can be more stressful than once thought.
A number of homes under construction in Pakenham and Officer have been broken into, with thousands of dollars worth of furnishings being ripped from hard-working families and young couples.
Cardinia Crime Investigation (CIU) Detective Sergeant Phil Jury said at least four homes under development were “ransacked” in the space of three days over April.
Close to $5000 worth of interior furnishings were pillaged from a home under construction in Pakenham between 5.40am and 4.20pm on Wednesday 22 April.
Burglars pinched the Ash Crescent home’s security system, television and tools as well as caused extensive damage to the fridge and kitchen area – bringing the total cost of damages and losses to $4600.
It is believed the burglars forced their way into the home through the laundry door before raiding the interior.
Less than 24 hours later, another home under construction in Officer was hit by burglars who stole a range of fittings such as doors and made attempts at removing a sink.
Police believe the Lexington Avenue home was ransacked between 5pm on Wednesday 22 April and 8am on Thursday 23 April.
Damage costs are estimated to exceed $1000.
Mr Jury said it was unclear how burglars accessed a home under construction along Super Waters in Pakenham – but they managed to take $1500 worth of goods.
A dishwasher and cooktop was stolen from the home sometime before 7am on Tuesday 21 April.
A nearby vacant home was also hit by thieves between 4.30pm on Tuesday 21 April and 7.15am on Wednesday 22 April.
Tools, including a power drill, and paint supplies were among some of the items stolen from the home under renovation.
It is believed burglars prised open a bedroom window to access the home.
Fears for the security of other homes under renovation across the shire are mounting as more families choose to build in the rapidly increasing growth corridor.
Senior Sergeant Nathan Prowd from Pakenham police said new housing estates were commonly targetted by thieves due to the lack of neighbours and eyewitnesses to report theft crimes
“Our members carry out patrols in these areas as regularly as possible,” he said.
