Woonona residents living in fear as 'brazen' thieves roam the streets at night

"It seems that the streets are frequently under threat of thieves," Darcy Wentworth-Perry, 60, said.

"Every night groups of youthful people are out on different streets, on bikes wearing dark clothing, hoodies on, riding bikes with no lights, searching for opportunities in people's front yards."

Read more: Residents concerned following spate of vehicle break-ins at Calderwood

Mr Wentworth-Perry, a resident of Pioneer Beach Estate said the "brazen" groups attempted to locate any cars that had been left unlocked, and if they did find one, took what they could find.

"They just go everywhere, into the shadows, and try all the car doors they can.

"They've also got little torches on them, and they'll put those up against the window, look in the car to see if there's anything in there, and if there is they'll break in.

"It's been going on for ages, but it's really increased since COVID times."

Mr Wentworth-Perry said he installed CCTV cameras at his home a few months ago, after a neighbour's house was entered into in the early hours of the morning.

"His internal alarm went off and the person or persons fled, thankfully," Mr Wentworth-Perry said.

Mr Wentworth-Perry's cameras have twice captured people attempting to break into his utility vehicle's door.

"I haven't personally lost property, but I feel for those that have," he said.

"In October, they broke into another ute that had tools and stole them."

Residents have taken to the Woonona/Bulli Community Facebook page to air their concerns.

Some residents have proposed they start night patrols, while others have suggested they leave such matters to the police.

"I am really concerned for the older people that are alone, and the single mothers," Mr Wentworth-Perry said.

"The residents are all pretty upset about it; some are living in fear.

"And they're worried that instead of having cars broken into, they might get bolder and start trying houses."

According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, in the Wollongong LGA there were 1211 steal from motor vehicle offences during the 2019/2020 financial year.

Meanwhile, police have urged the community to take extra care when securing their vehicles following a number of reported thefts.

Inspector Matt Glasgow from Wollongong Police District said he was encouraging the community to take extra time to make sure their vehicles are securely locked, and valuables removed before leaving their car.

"It takes little effort for a thief to lift the handle of a car door and raid the contents of the vehicle, and it's a crime that can be easily avoided by simply locking your vehicle," Insp Glasgow said.

"Being a victim of car theft is not only inconvenient and time consuming, it can also be extremely stressful, through loss of personal property or a financial loss but also loss of your sense of personal security. All of these negative impacts are what we as police officers work hard to prevent.

"We call on all residents to play their part in stopping the opportunity for these thieves to commit these thefts from cars by taking simple security steps. We would also ask the community to continue to be our eyes and ears, and report any suspicious activity to police."

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