The number of aggravated burglaries has doubled this year with criminals known to steal motor cars, steal from motor cars and break into shops and other premises.

Ballarat Superintendent Andrew Allen said police had identified six offenders who they believe have been avoiding apprehensions.

“There are warrants out there and we will apply overt and covert  methods to apprehend them,” Superintendent Allen said. 

“In the majority of the aggravated burglary cases  people do not know offenders have been in their house.

“It’s really up to people to be aware of their surroundings, to secure their properties as best as they can.”

The number of aggravated burglaries in the Ballarat local government area has soared from 77 in the April to March period of 2014 to 142 in the same period this year.

Crime Statistics Agency data showed there were 55 aggravated burglaries between January and March this year compared to 20 in the same period in 2015. 

Police are currently investigating an alleged burglary in Ballan where a shop owner confronted the offenders and minor altercation results, meanwhile two males have also been charged after a man in his 20s was allegedly hit with a shovel during an attempted robbery. 

However, Superintendent Allen maintained most of the aggravated burglaries were non-confrontational, committed by people who did not want to be caught. 

“There have been two incidents, one in particular during an aggravated burglary where  a weapon was produced, from that point of view that’s the only violent aggravated burglary we have had recently,” Superintendent Allen said.

Police have released the names of the following:

Darcy Sean Hunter who is wanted on six outstanding warrants for alleged charges including alleged burglary, theft of a car and driving without a licence.

Michael Lucas for failing to appear at court for alleged charges of burglary, assault and driving while disqualified. Michael Robb in relation to two alleged burglaries that occurred in the Cardigan Village area in September last year.

Daniel Scott Cassells for failing to appear in court on alleged burglary charges. 

Jane Chapman in relation to an alleged burglary and Matthew Brook Williams who is wanted by Ballarat Police in relation to an alleged burglary that occurred on January, 22 in the Wendouree area. 

If you are victim of crime who wants to share your story contact olivia.shying@fairfaxmedia.com.au.