A burglar targeting the unlocked homes of elderly South Wodonga residents has stolen $600 in cash from 14 break-ins over the past nine months.
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Coming face-to-face with some of the victims who have been home at the time has not deterred the offender.
Now police are warning people to lock their doors, as they launch an investigation to catch him or her.
Detective Senior Sergeant Garry Barton said the burglaries have all occurred south of Willow Park, but north of Yarralumla Drive and Huon Creek Road.
“Entry has been through the back door, back sliding door, back wire door,” he said.
“Generally the back door has been left open and the items stolen are mainly cash.
“What we’re really hoping to do is get a message out to people that there is a burglar active in that area, take preventative actions around securing their house.”
The burglaries have mostly occurred early in the week, between 5pm and 10pm, but once as late as 2am.
“Most of the victims are elderly, some are home at the time,” Detective Barton said.
“Some have chased the offender and we think that’s a dangerous situation.
“If anyone does see something strange, contact triple zero straight away and we’ll have police units.”
He said residents did not have to be fearful. Police want residents to protect themselves by putting security lights on to make it look like someone is home, locking up valuables instead of leaving them on the bench and locking the doors.
“If it’s visible, it’s only temptation for a would-be thief so lock your doors, hide your valuables,” Detective Barton said.
“What we think is that’s it’s one offender who’s been operating out there for nine months.
“Someone will know who it is.
“We’re dedicated to stopping that and we’ve got resources patrolling and active in the area to stop it.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Wodonga detectives on (02) 6049 2700 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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