Police are growing frustrated with the number of homeowners who do not lock their property, leaving it open to opportunistic thieves, after a spike in break-ins recently.
South Metropolitan community engagement co-ordinator Paul Trimble has urged homeowners to lock up, even when at home.
"People need to realise that even when they are home, they are still at risk of being a victim of burglary," Sergeant Trimble said.
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READ NOWSgt Trimble said thieves would often knock on the door to see if anyone was home.
"Most thieves when committing a burglary during the day will knock on the door first to make sure no one is home before breaking in so they don't get caught," he said.
�That is why it is important to answer the door if someone knocks on it.
"If you don't, they could think no one is home and break in."
Sgt Trimble said at night, thieves were unlikely to force entry into a property but walk along streets checking for locked doors and windows.
"I agree that it's those committing these offences that should be getting all the blame and targeted, but we, myself included, have a part to play by keeping our own properties and valuables secure," he said.
"In a perfect world, we could leave our doors and windows unlocked but unfortunately it's not, so we have to take steps to reduce our own risk of becoming a victim."
If you see any suspicious activity, call police on 131 444.