Police say vacant holiday homes are proving an attractive target for thieves along the coast, with four burglaries and eight thefts reported between Venus Bay and Walkerville since the start of April.
Sergeant Adrian Condron, of Inverloch Police, said the incidents had occurred between April 1 and August 31 and largely involved properties left unoccupied for extended periods. The four reported burglaries involved household goods, garden tools and, in one case, firearms.
The eight thefts included three incidents involving copper cable, three involving gas bottles taken from unoccupied holiday homes, as well as the theft of petrol and a kayak.
Sergeant Condron said the number of incidents could increase during winter when coastal holiday properties remained vacant for longer periods. “Vulnerable properties” were generally being targeted, he said, rather than a particular type of resident or home.
The figures come after a number of recent Facebook posts from residents reporting break-ins and suspicious activity along the coast, following last year's break-in at the Sandy Point General Store and a ram-raid at the same premises several months ago.
However, the police figures do not necessarily indicate that the area is experiencing a broad surge in crime. The latest Crime Statistics Agency figures reported previously by Prom Coast News showed increases in property crime in several local postcodes, including Venus Bay, where recorded offences rose from 89 to 148 in the year to March 2026.
Sergeant Condron said many property offences remained unsolved because there were often no witnesses, CCTV footage or forensic evidence available to investigators.
Bass Coast CIU detectives are investigating the burglaries, while Inverloch uniform officers are responsible for investigating thefts. Police have not recovered any of the stolen property from the incidents reported since April.
Sergeant Condron urged residents to take basic precautions, particularly if they were leaving properties vacant. He recommended CCTV and security lighting, and asked property owners to alert neighbours when they would be away for extended periods. He also urged residents to report suspicious people or vehicles to police as soon as possible. “Remember, if you think something does not seem quite right, tell police about it asap,” he said.
Police also encourage residents to look out for their neighbours and report suspicious activity through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online. For emergencies or incidents requiring an immediate police response, residents should call 000. David Barrett
