“I thought I was tough, but when someone breaks into your house you get scared.”
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Ron Price is not the only Huntly resident feeling anxious.
Last week, thieves attacked numerous properties in the area during a 24-hour crime spree, stealing two vehicles – one of which was later torched – and a number of tools.
The incidents have left many in the town shaken.
One woman was asked by her daughter, “are the bad men going to come into our place?”, to which her mother replied, “no, the doors and windows are all locked”.
“Well how’s Santa going to get in then?,” was the youngster’s reply.
Angry, violated, frustrated, were all words used by a number of residents who spoke with the Bendigo Advertiser on Friday.
Their main gripe was with the lack of police presence in the area, with many in the town holding a firm belief the area needs a dedicated police station.
While not critical of police – indeed Mr Price said he had the “utmost respect” for officers – people in the town believe they are under-resourced and hamstrung in what they can do in certain situations.
Another resident, Lindsay Hamilton, said some individuals were at a loss and reevaluating how they can protect themselves.
“You can put all sorts of security and CCTV around your place but it’s a bit after the horse has bolted,” he said.
More concerning for residents was the perceived local knowledge involved in the burglaries.
They believe some of the houses attacked required an intimate knowledge of the area, and while they were not suggesting local people carried out the attacks, they stated local input may have been sought.
Another concern is a recurrence of the burglaries.
“We don’t know where, we don’t know who, but we’re worried it’s going to happen again,” Phil Pilven said.
Leading Senior Constable Jacqui Stubbins said investigations were ongoing from the incidents which occurred on December 7.
Leading Senior Constable Stubbins urged people in the area to keep an eye out for Mr Price’s stolen Ford utility, in addition to any suspect vehicles in the Huntly-Epsom area.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Bendigo police station on 5448 1300.
Latest Crime Statistics Agency figures show recorded property and deception offences in the Huntly postcode have decreased – from 628 to 533 – from September 2016 – September 2017.
Burglaries or break ins also marginally decreased – from 133 to 128 – during the same period.
Bendigo police’s inspector was contacted for comment.