'Changing times' drive home security boom

Interest in home security has grown in Goulburn, despite a drop in most theft and break and enter offences amid the COVID-19 lockdown.

Statistics from the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) reveal theft and break and enter figures have dropped or remained stable in the past year.

However Watchdog Alarms and Security executive director Kathleen Campbell said the business had a spike in home security enquiries in the past year.

"We've seen an increase in demand for CCTV and home security in general," she said.

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"When people start to feel insecure or not sure about the climate economically, they're trying to protect their assets.

"I think it's a sign of the changing times."

There were two reports of break-ins at dwellings in the Goulburn Mulwaree local government area in March 2020.

This was a drop compared to March 2019, when there were 12 reports.

However theft from dwellings was up from four reports to nine.

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Reports of break-ins at non-dwellings went from zero in March 2019 to two in March 2020.

Non-dwellings include retail, wholesale, industrial, educational and recreational premises.

There were two reports of theft from cars in March 2020, down from 12 reports in March 2019.

Reports of theft from retail stores was stable, with six reports in March 20 compared to nine reports in March 2020.