Sen-Constable Belinda Wells, a crime prevention officer with Albury police, said there had been 30 break-ins in the city in the past three weeks, targeting commercial and residential properties.

Areas around Parnell and Wantigong streets, as well as Wagga, McDonald and Dallinger roads, were hit in the last three weeks of January, while Kiewa, Smollett and Macauley streets have been targeted in the past weeks.

Ten laptops were stolen across the city in three weeks.

Police distributed feedback cards containing boxes residents could tick regarding descriptions of people behaving suspiciously — such as hair colour, age and gender — along Boomerang Drive and Corella Street, as well as a letter from Albury crime manager Detective Insp Brad Blanchard urging homeowners to be vigilant.

Sen-Constable Wells said the door-knock had revealed common mistakes people made that left their homes more vulnerable, such as posting notes on the front door advising occupants would not be home until a certain time, and leaving security doors unlocked.

“Thieves are currently targeting cash left in homes,” she said.

“They also steal property that is easy to carry and sell, such as jewellery, electrical goods, cameras, laptops, mobile phones, power tools, CDs and portable DVD players.

“We are conducting residential street sweeps to raise awareness among the community about this problem — people tend to become a little complacent about home and vehicle security but preventing theft can be as simple as locking doors and windows when you go out.”

Det Insp Blanchard said break-ins were “costly and emotionally draining” and urged residents to keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour.

“Not only should you look out for your neighbours, but we ask that all residents be extra aware of what is happening in your area,” he said.

“Report suspicious activity — people wandering around your neighbourhood who appear to be canvassing (the area); vehicles driving around late at night and in the early hours.”