Crimes against property such as burglary of a home or vehicle may not sit at the higher end of the scale in terms of seriousness, but it can still leave those affected feeling vulnerable and violated.

That can particularly be the case when it comes to one’s home being invaded and items of personal nature stolen.

It’s a gross invasion of someone’s privacy, and often, those responsible – when they are caught by police – are let off with little more than a smack on the wrist.

This week is Crime Stoppers Week, with a focus on illicit drugs and community safety.

To echo the words of Crime Stoppers Tasmania general manager Ron Franks, keeping our community safe is everyone’s responsibility.

That means taking a certain level of responsibility in terms of reporting crime and generally keeping an eye out around your street, your school or your workplace.

Crime Stoppers begun in Tasmania more than two decades ago. It is a non-profit, independent community organisation that provides an avenue by which people can anonymously report suspected criminal activity. 

Tasmania Police officers can’t be everywhere all of the time. Occasionally, they rely on members of the public to phone in and report that suspicious person wandering the streets late at night, or other various form of criminal activity.

Only this week, a number of motorcycles were stolen from a locked container at Prospect High School. Those bikes were used by learner motorcyclists when learning to ride and taking their riding examinations.

Thankfully, those bikes were quickly recovered by Tasmania Police, who soon turned to the community for help tracking down those responsible. 

As police often say, even the smallest, seemingly insignificant detail may be enough to help them piece together and ultimately solve a crime.

Last year’s Tasmania Police's  annual performance report showed a jump in property crime, with property offences listed at 22,997 - up from 20,102 the previous year.

When you consider there are about 216,000 households in the Tasmania – that means one-in-nine homes were affected last year. 

But by being vigilant, and reporting any suspicious activity to police, you can help make a difference.