A thief who has been breaking into Wodonga homes as occupants are inside sleeping picked another four victims on Sunday night.
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But he walked away empty handed.
Wodonga's Detective Acting Sergeant Matt Prestage said a man broke into four homes at about 11pm, in the area of Ambrose Crescent, north of Wodonga Golf Club.
He said the man was carrying a torch, or using the torch on his mobile phone, and the light was seen by one of the residents who called out and caused the thief to run away.
"We didn't get a description of him," Detective Prestage said.
"We'd ask anybody who was out and about at about 11 o'clock (on Sunday) night, who may have been anyone hanging around or any suspicious vehicles, to contact the police."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Police believe the thefts are linked to others near Willow Park, taking the total to 12 in the past three weeks.
Each time, the thief - described as being between 18 and 25 years old - has used the same tactic of breaking the lock of the back door to force his way inside the house.
Detective Prestage said the thief has been looking for cash on most occasions, trying to enter the homes while people have been asleep, but has not confronted any of the occupants.
"There have been a couple of instances where wallets have been stolen and discarded - it's mostly for cash and they leave the wallets behind," he said.
"It's is alarming and we have concerns if a person is confronted, how they may react ... They were very fearful and on a lot of occasions they have been elderly, so we're working on the possibility that they are specifically targetting older people."
Anyone with information can contact Wodonga detectives in (02( 6043 2700.