According to police, between Friday, August 8 and Monday, August 11, five different incidents occurred in Moama relating to theft and strangers entering properties without consent.
Chief Inspector Mick Fuller said it was important that residents took extra care.
“Moama is generally a very safe area, we have not seen a significant rise in offences,” he said.
“Noting over the weekend, a number of stealing from motor vehicles, it is important to provide advice to residents about how to keep themselves and their property safe and reduce the risk of being a victim of crime.”
Residents are reminded to remove any valuables from vehicles, including wallets, purses, money and mobile phones, before locking up for the night.
While there are sometimes attempts to break in using force, such as breaking a lock or smashing a window, thieves will generally avoid locked cars.
Owners with work utes may find it more difficult to lock up any tools normally kept in their ute trays, and are encouraged to keep their cars under CCTV surveillance or parked in a spot that can be easily seen.
Chief Insp Fuller said that many cases of thefts from vehicles were not targeted and relied on vehicles being left unlocked.
“A lot of reported incidents of stealing from motor vehicles or attempts have been opportunistic in nature,” he said.
“This is where vehicles are checked to see if they are locked and often, if a vehicle can be accessed, thieves will try to take what they can find, which is often money or other items of value that have been left in a car.”
While thefts from vehicles are the more common crime, residents are also encouraged to remain vigilant in protecting their homes by having good locks, sensor lights and CCTV where possible.
Having a good neighbourhood approach where neighbours keep an eye out for each other’s properties offers an extra layer of security.
Chief Insp Fuller added that if residents saw any suspicious activity, reporting it to the police was the best thing to do.
“If people witness something suspicious, the best advice is not to approach but to report this to your local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” he said.
“Police will take a report if there is someone getting around your neighbourhood, so if you have CCTV of a person or a vehicle, this can be valuable to police to identify who is about your area.
“Even if nothing is taken, if you have information about crime or someone suspicious or a (suspicious vehicle), letting police know helps to let your local officers know what is happening in your neighbourhood.”
For more information and resources on how to keep safe across a range of situations and crimes, visit tinyurl.com/p65mryd8
Residents can also report crimes and share information through the NSW Police Force Community Portal, where all reports go directly to the local police.
The portal can be accessed at tinyurl.com/mr3nzrta
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