Police are urging all residents to take home security seriously after three vehicles were stolen from three unlocked, occupied homes overnight.
Sergeant Robert James said that the first incident occurred at about midnight after a 24-year-old man entered a residence in Gray through an unlocked door, while the female occupant was asleep on a chair in the lounge room.
“Once inside the man stole a number of items including a set of car keys. It is alleged the man loaded the stolen items into the Toyota Hilux before driving off in the stolen vehicle.
“At approximately 2:00 am, the stolen vehicle came to the attention of a passing Police patrol in Nightcliff. The stolen car was followed to Oleander Street where the vehicle stopped and two men were seen running from the area.
“A Constable’s decision to give chase on foot paid off and he caught the man on Phoenix Street a short time later. He was subsequently arrested and is expected to face possible charges of aggravated unlawful entry, resist arrest, stealing, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, drive unlicensed, supply false name, breach of bail and drive medium range blood alcohol content. The second man seen running from the vehicle is yet to be located.
“A silver Subaru stolen from a home in Wulagi and a white Daewoo stolen from a home Gray remain outstanding at this time.
“It is disappointing and frustrating knowing that all three homes that were involved in these incidents were unlocked at the time. The car keys were also left lying around in obvious places near entrances.
“We work hard to arrest these offenders and to keep the public and their property safe.
“Unlawful Entries can leave people feeling vulnerable and insecure for some time, but there are precautions you can take that help to prevent becoming a victim. This is a timely reminder of ‘Lock it or lose it’, it is as simple as that,” said Sergeant James.
Police urge anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area, or who may have any information in relation to the outstanding stolen vehicles, to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Media Contact
Sarah Trinne
8985 8837
