ANXIOUS residents are storing weapons beside their beds in order to protect themselves from Wagga’s growing property crime spree.
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Baseball bats, pocket knives and golf clubs are just some of the objects locals are keeping within arms-reach to fight off home invaders.
It comes as the city’s January’s break and enter tally has surpassed 105, as tensions continue to boil throughout the community.
The desperation has sparked fears someone may soon be killed or seriously injured during a break and enter turned ugly.
Concerns have been magnified after Wagga police revealed most of 2017’s aggravated burglaries were carried out while the occupants of the home were asleep.
“Entry in most cases is gained through the rear of the house while the occupants are asleep,” Inspector Darren Cloake said.
“It really is disturbing to think about.”
The startling revelation has left residents like Jonathon Coy fearful their family’s safety.
Mr Coy said that should his family ever feel threatened by trespassers – he would not hesitate to swing the golf club he keeps beside his bed.
“As far as I’m concerned, if they come onto my property and break into my home then I’ll do whatever it takes to keep me and my family safe,” he said.
“It shouldn’t have to come to this but it has.
“It’s disgusting that people spend all their lives saving for a home and they finally achieve their dream and then they’re robbed of their sense of safety by these kids.”
It comes amid a series of Daily Advertiser reports detailing the disturbing emotional aftermath of a home invasion.
A Kooringal tenant burgled three separate times, who chose not to be identified, said the next person he caught in the act would not be so fortunate.
“Nobody is going to put up with this anymore,” he said.
“Enough is enough and it’s time to act.”
