The youths, aged 14 to 17, are alleged to have kicked in a door to gain access to the Magnolia Crescent home about 5.30am yesterday.

They stole electrical items, a purse and cash.

A man driving to work saw the boys leaving the home and told police.

Wodonga youths, 14, 16 and 17, and a Lavington boy, 14, were arrested.

Detective acting Sgt Andrew Leonard said the stolen property had been retrieved by officers.

“It was the observations of the person on his way to work that helped up wrap this matter up fairly quickly,” he said.

“A Wodonga couple in their 60s were the victims. The woman was the sole occupant at the time and was woken with a shock. She was left quite shaken but she’s otherwise fine.

“Police arrived fairly quickly and we were able to give her the assistance she needed.”

The house had been locked at the time.

“The victims did all the right things by locking up their home,” Detective Leonard said.

“On this occasion the offenders chose to force entry; we will be alleging they kicked open a door.

“If there are any residents in Magnolia Crescent or Waratah Way who may have heard something they should contact Wodonga Criminal Investigation Unit.”

One boy was charged with aggravated burglary and police were planning to charge the other three late yesterday.