Neighbourhood targeted in brazen break-ins

A spate of break and enters in town have prompted police to issue a warning for residents to remain vigilant.

Coonabarabran Police Station acting inspector, Russell McArthur, said there had been a sudden increase in activity last week, with at least five cars broken into in one night.

“There were contents stolen from all of the vehicles,” Insp. McArthur said.

“All of the cars reported to us have been forensically examined; we are waiting on those results to come back.”

Insp. McArthur took the opportunity to remind residents to keep on the lookout for suspicious behaviour and report if necessary.

He said it was imperative to be pro-active by keeping vehicles secured and not leave any valuables laying around.

One of the victims from last week’s attacks, Maddie Wilson, said it wasn’t the first time she had been targeted.

This time around, thieves gained access to Mrs Wilson and husband Sam’s car, parked within 10 metres of her front door.

“They were game,” Mrs Wilson said.

“I wasn’t there, but my husband was home and he went to bed at about 11pm, so it happened sometime from then until 6am.”

Mrs Wilson believes more people were affected than the number that was reported to police.

“It would have to be in the double digits, the amount of cars that were broken into that night,” she said.

“And they were all within a couple of streets of each other.”

More than 12 months ago Mrs Wilson’s car was badly damaged while parked outside her previous address.

“I’m just fed up with it to be honest, something needs to be done.

“Whether it’s more police presence or more education for the youngsters.

“It seems to be pack mentality - they don’t have anything else to do so they act irresponsibly and thieve things.”

Another victim, Nick O’Neill, said there simply wasn’t enough for young people to do in town.

“You could go down the main street at 4am and there would be groups of teens,” Mr O’Neill said.

“Not just one or two, but 15 to 20 of them.

“There’s nothing for them to do and their parents won’t discipline them.”

On a positive note, Insp. McArthur said, overall, police were happy with the general behaviour of residents throughout the holiday period.

He was also happy to report there had so far been no major accidents on local roads.