Thieves have targeted vehicles parked on streets, sheds and garages, and in some cases have scoped out homes and businesses with poor security.
For the month of December, Corowa Police reported five properties had been broken into, four motor vehicles stolen and three thefts from retail stores within the Federation Council area.
Due to this increase police completed numerous patrols, person searches, and vehicles searches with the aim of disrupting local crime trends.
However more unreported incidents have been posted online in Corowa Facebook groups.
Residents have posted footage from their front door cameras of people attempting to break into vehicles and homes particularly around Vera St, Walker St and Honour Avenue.
Honour Avenue resident Jessie Miller was home with her mother when their car was broken into and ransacked.
“We woke up in the morning to find the bonnet of the car open and our belongings inside tossed everywhere,” Ms Miller told the Free Press.
“It was quite scary because we didn’t hear anything during the night. The car is parked right outside the front of our home too.
“It was the second attempt in a few months. They took some boxes from the carport which they probably thought were unopened Christmas presents, and I believe they tried to take my ear pods but must have dropped them as I found them some distance away.
“We believe they tried to take the car battery too.”
Ms Miller said they considered themselves pretty lucky but were left shaken by the incident.
“It’s frightening and it seems to be happening more in the area. We are just glad they didn’t come into our home,” she said.
“Our neighbours have installed security cameras with one pointing at our place. It’s definitely something we will look into as well.”
Other incidents reported online include attempted car break ins, theft of tools from the back of trailers and concerns about people wandering the streets in the early hours of the morning.
The spike in local crime has prompted the creation of an online Corowa Crime Watch group.
Local security camera supplier Steve Hicks said after only four months in business he had noticed an increase in sales for security cameras.
“Installations are increasing, and I expect that trend will continue. Sadly, its typically after an incident has occurred either at the property or nearby,” he said.
“Prevention is key. It’s not something you want to put off until it’s too late. It’s an affordable way to protect your home.”
It is well documented summer is typically when thieves target homes and property, as people tend to spend less time at home over the Christmas and New Year period, or windows and doors are left open more frequently in the warmer weather.
Corowa Police are responding to the increase of offences and is urging residents to remain vigilant, ensure their vehicles and houses are locked, and advise installing CCTV cameras and sensor lights where possible to help in the detection and disruption of property crime.
Meanwhile, new data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) has revealed that crime is generally stable across the region.
However, in the 12 months to September 2022, there was 206 reported incidents of theft, with fraud, steal from a dwelling, steal from motor vehicle, and retail theft accounting for the majority of incidents. There were also 59 counts of malicious damage to property.
Tips on how to keep your property secure:
•Let a trusted neighbour or family friend know of your whereabouts and contact details. Ask them to watch your home, empty your mailbox, mow your lawn and, most importantly, call Triple Zero (000) if they notice anything suspicious, or if a smoke alarm is activated.
•Dispose of Christmas wrapping and delivery/goods packaging carefully. Don’t advertise your new valuables to would-be thieves.
•Lock away your handyman/gardening tools, which may be used to force open doors or windows, and any item that may be used to gain access to the property or cause damage.
•Record descriptions, models and serial numbers of your valuables and then put them somewhere safe.
•Switch off and disconnect non-essential electrical appliances and IT equipment.
•Ensure any electrical items you decide to leave on continuously, or on timer circuits, are in good working order – that includes lights left on to deter thieves both inside and outside.
•Pay bills in advance including electricity, gas, water, and telephone so that your supply continues while you're away.
•Avoid posting information about being away on holidays because thieves will often use this information to target properties.
•Be sure your home and contents insurance is adequate and up to date.
•Check your doors, windows and garage are locked securely, and remove spare keys from hiding places. As you leave, check everything again.
•Keep lawns and gardens tidy.
•Finally, if you have a home security alarm, activate it.
If your home has been broken into:
• Call your local police station immediately.
• Don't touch anything. Let police see your home exactly as the thief left it.
• While you are waiting for police to arrive, compile a list of what you think is missing; include brand names, model numbers, serial numbers, accurate descriptions and any engraving details.
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