Police were still receiving calls from Wodonga home owners on Thursday afternoon to report residential break-ins which took place early in the morning.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
More than five houses in West Wodonga were targeted by the group of teens who rummaged through the households.
Police believe the crew were after car keys a small valuables.
A white Ford Territory was stolen from one of the houses and it appeared the thieves had attempted to take two motorbikes from another home.
The motorbikes were found pushed out onto the road in the morning.
Other home owners reported opened drawers and disturbed items.
Most residents had been home asleep at the time of the break-ins which occurred near the Wodonga Golf Course.
The young offenders targeted homes on Barton Street, Felltimber Creek Road, Kingfisher Drive and Marshall Street.
Police spotted the stolen Ford about 4.20am and followed it down several side streets.
The car came to a stop at a dead end on Tarakan Street and three youths ran from the vehicle toward the racecourse.
Detective Senior Constable Ray Causer said the slowest offender, a boy aged 15, was caught by police and arrested.
Police are still on the hunt for the other two offenders.
“Most of these residences had families sleeping inside,” Sen-Const Causer said.
“We are asking that when people are home they make sure their houses and cars are locked and secure.
“I am concerned more houses may be targeted, so we want neighbours to be mindful of each other.
“People should be aware but not alarmed until we can put a stop to this.”
Another vehicle was stolen from Haley Crescent and was recovered in Albury.
Police are investigating whether it is linked with the chain of break-ins.
The boy who was arrested was charged with aggravated burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, theft from a motor vehicle, evade police and some traffic offences.
Anyone who may have been in the area or has knowledge of the parties involved should contact Wodonga Police on (02) 6049 2600 or Crime Stopper on 1800 333 000.
