Wollongong Police seize thousands in stolen goods destined for 'black market'

A rifle, ammunition, power tools plus life saving equipment taken from charity organisations were among the items uncovered in two storage sheds in North Wollongong.

"There was a stolen outboard motor from Scarborough Surf Club, a defibrillator from a local AFL team, new and used power tools," Crime Manager Detective Chief Inspector Brad Ainsworth told the Mercury.

"We're talking about tens of thousands of dollars here. We've got in excess of 80 to 100 separate recovered items of property.

"We've had a steady procession of tradies in the last week very happy to be receiving their property back."

The stolen goods would have either been "sold on the black market" or on-sold to friends of the offenders, according to Insp Ainsworth.

It's believed a group of three to four people are responsible.

While robberies at Woonona Bulli RSL and an Austinmer home on Tuesday may also be linked to the alleged crime syndicate.

Officers have been working with the Lake Illawarra Anti Theft Squad to solve a spate of robberies, which have been occurring mainly in the northern suburbs.

"We're pretty confident of making some arrests pretty soon," Insp Ainsworth said.

"We are looking at a certain group of people."

Meanwhile, Insp Ainsworth confirmed suburbs in the northern Illawarra were regular targets for thieves often due do "careless" residents.

"It's more regular up there than anywhere else," he said.

"People too regularly leave property in their car and they leave their car unlocked."

A series of break-and-enters as well as cars being broken into have been occurring in Thirroul, Austinmer and further north in recent weeks. Items like phones, wallets, tablets, jewellery and fitness equipment have been reported stolen.

Insp Ainsworth said it was an ongoing problem mainly due to residents being too trusting of the world.

"While I would like to be able say you can leave your home and car unlocked, it's 2020 nearly," he said.

"It's just unfortunate, we've got to be safety conscious as there's criminals out there."

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