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One complex in Maribyrnong has had $20,000 worth of property stolen in just 12 months.
“They seem to be just a magnet,” apartment building resident Megan Menzies told 9News, referring to storage cages in the building’s car park.
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The Ariele building has repeatedly been targeted, with a $2000 bike, a $4000 drum set and soccer equipment among the property recently stolen.
Some residents have taken to reinforcing their storage cages with metal bars.
Mail boxes have also been hit.
Resident Protyan Roy has even had crucial medicine for his toddler taken.
“A lot of packages have been stolen,” he said.
With more Melburnians back in the office, criminals are taking advantage, according to Gregor Evans from the Strata Community Association.
“Working in the owners corporation space, managing apartment complexes, we’ve seen a spike of robberies,” he told 9News.
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The most recent crime data reveals the cities of Melbourne and Yarra have recorded the biggest increases in theft.
There has also been a jump in Hobsons Bay, Hume, Casey and Bayside.
Apartment building residents who are concerned are being encouraged to contact their body corporate.
“Committees of these properties can increase security, whether it’s through access control systems, cctv systems,” Evans said.
But the tenants and owners of Maribyrnong’s Ariele building say they’ve been ignored.
“We sometimes wonder if our building manager even exists sometimes,” Menzies said.
A representative from the building’s owners corporation told 9News they have recently organised a security audit to be carried out at the property and latch protectors and new signage has been installed.
“A further four cameras were installed around the property, with the system also upgraded,” the representative said.
Residents who have concerns about their building manager can make a complaint to Consumer Affairs Victoria.
