An eight-year-old labrador is being hailed a hero after scaring off a group of would-be home invaders from his family’s home. 

Footage from security cameras shows Romeo sending four intruders scrambling in Truganina in Melbourne’s west.

They are seen sprinting back through the side gate, laughing as they jump over the fence.

Owner Neha Mahajan said they were proud of their dog.

“We felt so proud of Romeo, because if it wasn’t for him, we don’t know what would’ve happened,” Mahajan said.

The hero pooch jumped into action from the back patio as the Verma family watched the cricket upstairs.

The masked offenders rolled up to the home at around 3:40am.

They fled empty-handed but 9News understands just minutes later they stole two cars from a property down the road.

Alerted by the barking, the family reviewed the footage and fears that the group was armed.

“I saw something hanging around his hip or his waist. Could have been a knife or machete, I don’t know if they would have attacked anybody,” Majahan said.

Romeo is getting lots of extra attention for his crime-fighting skills, and the Verma family are also making sure to reward him with all his favourite treats.

“He’s our hero now,” Majahan said.