Police are offering free security checks to Horsham businesses after a crime spree that has doubled the number of burglaries in the city.

Horsham Inspector Colin Renton said burglars had broken into 14 commercial properties and 14 sporting clubs during the past two months and urged operators to be vigilant with security measures.

The offer comes after the burglary of a Horsham bakery when the owner left keys to the business inside a vehicle.

Thieves broke into the van of Brumby’s Bakery owner Al Ward while it was parked at his home.

Police said the perpetrators then drove the vehicle to the Horsham Plaza business where they gained entry and helped themselves to the cash register and other items.

The vehicle was then dumped in the Wimmera River, along Barnes Boulevard in Horsham, near Rose Street.

Insp Renton said people could have avoided the thefts with a few simple security measures.

“In one case there was a number of day’s takings kept on the premises,” Insp Renton said.

“It’s bad business practice and its bad security,” he said.

Insp Renton said free security checks were available to businesses looking for ways to help tighten security.

“We’ll make suggestions that aren’t going to cost a lot of money but will help beef up security. It will involve doing a few simple things,” he said.

Arrests

Horsham police have arrested three Horsham children in relation to a series of burglaries in the central business district.

They have charged a 16-year-old male with 24 offences, a 12-year-old male with two offences and another 16-year-old male with nine offences.

Horsham CIU Acting Sergeant Adam Rabone said the charges related to a series of burglaries on Horsham sporting clubs and motor vehicles.

Police have bailed all three to to appear in Horsham Children’s Court.