The parents were forced from their beds and the mother slapped across the face as their two children, aged four and 12 months, slept in their bedrooms.

Wollongong Police Acting Inspector Stewart Arnold said adding to the terror was the seeming lack of motive for the crime that occurred in a quiet street.

"These people were just your regular family, mum and dad both working - it was highly irregular," he said.

Insp Arnold said the traumatic chain of events began at midnight when the three unknown males, dressed in dark clothing, balaclavas and gloves, smashed through the glass panels of the front door of the Kirton Rd home.

The intruders entered the master bedroom, demanding the mother and father leave their beds.

"The 34-year-old woman and 42-year-old man were forced into the lounge room, where the woman was slapped across the face," said Detective Sergeant Jason Hogan.

Insp Arnold said the intruders then demanded the victims' money and car keys, which were handed over.

Also taken were a mobile phone, two laptop computers, jewellery and the father's wallet.

The intruders used the victims' car, a Subaru Outback, as a getaway vehicle.

It was later found abandoned in Campbelltown.

It was the second home invasion to occur in the region within 24 hours.

A woman is in a stable condition in Shoalhaven Hospital after suffering a heart attack following a break-in at Bangalee, near Nowra.

The 67-year-old heard a car pull up outside her home about 7.15am on Monday and was confronted by the men, police said.

The two armed thugs kicked their way into the woman's home and stole money and electrical goods.

The intruders were armed with 60cm batons and were dressed in black, wearing balaclavas and gloves.

The woman was taken to Shoalhaven Hospital, suffering shock and chest pains.

She later suffered a heart attack.

Anyone with information about the Austinmer incident is urged to contact Wollongong Detectives via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.