A BALLARAT tradie who spent thousands of dollars on security equipment, has caught an offender on tape trying to break into her ute.
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Electrician Kylie Slade recently installed two security cameras and an alarm system at her Alfredton home due to a surge of burglaries in Ballarat.
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But early Sunday morning the cameras recorded a hooded man trying to break into her work ute.
The man rifled through an unlocked compartment in the back of the ute tray and later fled without stealing any equipment.
Mrs Slade's husband, Brad, noticed something was wrong on Sunday morning.
"We didn't know anything until he went to take my daughter to work on Sunday morning," she said.
"He ended up going through the footage and later found someone had ... tried to get in."
The incident is one of many crimes targeting Ballarat tradies in recent weeks.
Last week, thieves also targeted three petrol stations, Pipers by the Lake and Ballarat Community Health Centre in a cross-town crime spree.
Mrs Slade said she spent about $2000 on new security equipment to protect her business.
She has even considered upgrading her work ute to something more secure.
"With everything that has been going on lately... I am paranoid that something is going to get taken," she said.
"Especially because my car cannot fit into the garage."
Mrs Slade said her tools were secured in the back of the ute, except for one drawer that was left unlocked.
She said it was unfair hardworking tradies were being targeted.
"It's really frustrating, you work hard to have tools and equipment for your job," she said.
"These people don't realise how much it sets you back."
Ballarat Police Inspector Gregory Payne said police had seen an increase in property and theft offences in the last two months.
"Police are actively targeting known recidivists and have been making significant numbers of arrests that have resulted in the recovery of stolen property," he said.
"It's really frustrating, you work hard to have tools and equipment for your job"
- Kylie Slade, electrician
"Specialist teams (are) focused on investigating burglaries and recidivist offenders."
Inspector Payne said police were patrolling areas prone to property theft and burglary.
"The recent arrests and targeted patrols are having a positive impact," he said.
"Most burglaries are opportunistic and occur during the day when residents are not at home."
He advised residents to install good quality locks on doors and windows, remove valuables from plain sight and to report suspicious behaviour to police.
Mrs Slade reported the incident and provided CCTV footage to police, however nobody has been arrested or charged.
Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppers.com.au
