Thieves have pinched belongings from the bedsides of sleeping residents at Stanwell Park, in a run of disturbing break-ins.
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Police say the thieves were enabled by unlocked doors or windows in all nine cases reported.
Wallets, mobile phones and other personal belongings were taken from homes on Stanwell Avenue and The Drive between midnight and 2am Thursday.
In two cases, the thieves collected car keys from the homes, then drove away in their victims’ cars.
The cars have since been located in the Albion Park area and are assisting in a joint investigation by Wollongong and Lake Illawarra police, said Wollongong’s Detective Inspector Brad Ainsworth.
“The disturbing part is these offenders got in there while these people were asleep and removed keys and valuables from bedside tables,” he said.
“They’ve been able to get easy access because of the windows and doors not being locked.
“While people should be able to go to sleep and not expect strangers to get into their homes, unfortunately, in the times we live in, they’re making it easier for these criminals to get in. You can’t afford to give them any opportunity.”
Police believe the same thieves are responsible for a break and enter at Thirroul’s DP Surfboards during the same time period.
Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to provide information that could assist police with their investigation.