Melbourne girl praised for calling Triple-Zero during burglary

Police have praised a brave young Melbourne girl who called Triple-Zero while a burglar ransacked her family home.

Kate Luong’s family had left her at home alone for 30 minutes while they stepped out to get groceries nearby.

Shortly after, the 10-year-old heard a noise in the back yard. 

“I looked through the curtain and saw someone so I locked the door, grabbed my phone and hid in the closet,” Miss Luong told 9NEWS

The man used a brick to smash a glass door in the backyard and entered the Springvale home while the young girl was inside.

In audio released by the Victorian police, Miss Luong can be heard saying “They are in the house, they broke the glass door.”

She remained on the phone saying she is home alone and had locked herself in a closet.

“Please come quickly,” she is heard saying to the operator.

Police were on scene in a matter of minutes and allegedly found a man with a screwdriver and a knife.

Miss Luong’s older brother Mike said the young girl knew what to do from watching crime shows on television.

“She did really well. I’m proud of her,” the 19-year-old told 9NEWS.

He also said his little sister still gets scared and doesn't like to be left alone in the house at all.

The 46-year-old suspect was arrested and remains in custody. He will appear before Dandenong Magistrate’s Court later this month.