Wollongong police are investigating the torching of a Bulli family's car on Friday morning.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Officers were involved in a short pursuit with a Kia Sorento on Memorial Drive, Corrimal about 11.30pm on Thursday.
The car was reported stolen earlier in the week from a Bulli home.
The pursuit was terminated when police lost sight of the vehicle.
Just after midnight, police attended Beach Street, Bulli, after reports of a vehicle on fire, identified as the Kia Sorento.
Inquiries into the incident continue.
The car's owner, who wished not be identified, told the Mercury it had been "horrible" to not only have the car stolen but then to see it dumped and burnt just a street away.
"We feel violated because our property was snooped on by strangers," she said.
"We feel super unsafe that the thieves know where we live, especially when there are little children living at our home."
The family wanted to raise awareness about the spate of car thefts and break-ins in the northern suburbs, so others hopefully did not become victims.
"It's horrible that the thieves feel the need to do this to people," she said.
"You never know someone's story or what they've been going through so it's horrible to rip money and belongings away from people like this.
"I'm sure the person who stole the car wouldn't be happy if someone was to blow up their expensive belongings."
It is not the only instance of cars being torched, Leigh Healey's car was stolen, along with valuable possessions, from Wombarra and found burnt in Bellambi recently.
Ms Healey said she would like to see a larger and more frequent police presence in the northern suburbs of Wollongong.
Wollongong police have regularly encouraged residents to call the station if they see something suspicious and reminded them to lock their cars and house to deter would-be thieves.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Wollongong Police Station on 4226 7899.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.