During the past 12 months there has been a significant increase in break and enter incidents across the Hawkesbury region.
Last Tuesday morning, September 23, residents from Kurrajong Village woke up to many of their cars being broken into and graffiti tags around the local shops, primary school and on road gutters.
Kurrajong Village resident Matt Sumeghy said he had been broken into twice in the past six months and had been home both times.
‘‘The first time was about six months ago and the second time was last Monday evening...it is really frustrating and annoying,’’ Mr Sumeghy said.
‘‘The first time, the lock up under my house was broken into and my brand new motor bike was stolen and my two cars were also broken into,’’ he said.
‘‘The same night, the people across the road disturbed the robber at their home.’’
The second time round, the offenders broke into Mr Sumeghy’s tool boxes that were secured on the back of his work car.
‘‘When I went to unlock my tool box I noticed all the locks had been broken,’’ he said.
‘‘They also broke into my car and stole cash from my wallet, but left my wallet behind.’’ But Mr Sumeghy wasn’t the only resident to have woken up to some of their property stolen that morning.
Another Kurrajong Village resident, Pat Hollis, said his car was parked out the front of the home when it was broken into.
‘‘I had my sunglasses, cigarettes, hair wax, a couple of dollars in loose change and some McDonald’s Monopoly vouchers stolen, which makes me think the thief is young,’’ Mr Hollis said. ‘‘They also left my golf clubs which were in the back seat, which was strange.’’
Residents who see suspicious behaviour or who have been broken into are urged to contact Windsor Police on 4587 4099.
How to protect your home:
■ Ensure all perimeter fences are in good order and that gates are kept closed and locked.
■ Ensure that trees and shrubs are trimmed away from around doors and windows.
■ Install good quality security lights around.
■ Glass within doors and windows should be reinforced.
■ Record descriptions, model, and serial number of all your valuables to assist in easy identification should they be reported lost or stolen.