Leading the surge was Kooringal, with 17 recorded break-ins during the period, and Central Wagga, with 14, according to the distressing statistics obtained by The Daily Advertiser.

It comes as a confronting wake-up call to residents, many of who are leaving doors unlocked, windows down and valuables unsecured. 

Other startling revelations included:

HOME invasions were most common on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with 29 recorded instances on the two days alone since early July. 

TARGETED areas included Warrawong Crescent, Wilks Crescent, Crampton Street and Maher Street. 

POLICE searched 264 people during the six-week period in relation to theft suspicions. 

THE AGE of offenders ranged from children as young as 10, to elderly residents as old as 70. 

MOST thieves were able to facilitate their crimes because doors were unlocked. 

The findings hit too close to home for Kooringal resident Jacqueline Walker, whose property has been ransacked by thieves on two occasions. 

“It seems like nowhere is safe anymore,” she said. 

“There’s always a little thought in the back of your mind – even when you try to relax – that someone could be outside waiting for the right moment to rob you.

“They’re giving our city a dangerous reputation.”

The data will be used by police to more efficiently assign officers to areas, and to allocate them on days and times when offences are most prevalent. 

Crime prevention manager Senior Constable Peter Narouz said the spate of home break-ins emphasised the need for community rapport.

“Having around two to three break-ins a day is something we definitely want to reduce,” he said.

“Saying g’day to your neighbour can be tough, but it’s important people build strong relationships so they can watch out for each other.”

“When police lock up crooks everyone tends to relax a bit, but we need to be constantly alert,” Senior Constable Narouz said. 

Wagga duty officer Inspector Peter Robertson acknowledged the figure was concerning but stressed that a “small number of people” had been responsible for the majority of crimes. 

“It’s a few recurring groups that continue committing these offences,” he said. 

“We will use these figures to better target them.”