Northern suburbs residents are under siege from burglars, with many sharing stories of attempted break-ins, damaged doors, and even murdered dogs.
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Home owners from Figtree to Coledale are in the sights of thieves according to police, with numerous recent incidents of break, enter and steal.
After the Mercury's story on Friday of a Coledale resident who spotted a man prowling around his property, readers took to Facebook to share their experiences at the hands of the Illawarra's growing burglary trend.
"My neighbour has been burgled, and a house down the road was broken into and the intruder killed their dog," one woman said.
Among those who told their stories was Simone Westren, of Coledale. She said her Hemsley Place home had been targeted twice by burglars, once while her family was inside.
"Last week we were home and heard this big bash on the door, like someone was trying to force it open from outside. We got up and ran outside, and saw somebody run back behind the shed," Ms Westren said.
"There was no wind, it was someone trying to get the door open."
On Tuesday, she said her partner woke after hearing a loud noise outside, and found "a large chunk" of wood knocked out of their front door handle.
"I think someone tried to chisel out the door," she said.
"We've had nights where the dog barks like it spotted someone, or we could hear footsteps outside."
Ms Westren said a neighbour had recently woken to find three men at her back door armed with tools and trying to open the door.
Wollongong police Senior Sergeant Lisa Westwood said officers were focusing on burglary offences, and were making "several arrests every few days".
"We have made many arrests, but that's concerning because offenders are out there," she said.
"We do need locals to remain vigilant. Look out for each other, but also remember to lock your doors."