Police will allege in the early hours of Monday 20 April 2020, property was stolen from a number of vehicles parked in residential addresses in the Ulladulla area.
The incidents were reported to police and an investigation commenced by the South Coast Police District Proactive Crime Team.
Following extensive inquiries, police attended a hotel on the Princes Highway at Ulladulla about 1pm Wednesday (22 April 2020), and arrested a 19-year-old man.
He was taken to Ulladulla Police Station, where he was charged with steal property in dwelling house, and four counts of larceny.
He was granted conditional bail and is due to face Nowra Local Court on 15 June 2020.
South Coast Police District Inspector Dave Cockram is reminding the community to take extra time to make sure their vehicles were securely locked, and valuables removed before leaving their car – including those parked in garages.
“We have seen an increase in opportunistic thefts in recent weeks,” Insp Cockram said.
“It takes little effort for a thief to lift the handle of a car door and raid the contents of the vehicle, and it’s a crime that can be easily avoided by simply locking your vehicle.
“We call on all residents to play their part in stopping the opportunity for these thieves to commit these thefts from cars by taking simple security steps. We would also ask the community to continue to be our eyes and ears, and report any suspicious activity to police.”
Inspector Cockram urges the community to follow these crime prevention tips:
· When you leave your car unattended, even for short periods, close all windows, remove the key from the ignition and lock all doors. Remember, it’s an offence under the Australian Road Rules to leave your car unlocked;
· Ensure that you have removed all property especially mobile telephones, clothing, wallets/purses, bags and money in consoles
· Never leave important identification documents or cards in your vehicle when it is left unattended.
· Use caution when taking goods to your motor vehicle in shopping centres. Some thieves watch owners take property to their motor vehicles and steal the items when they leave to continue shopping.
· Tradespeople who may not be able to remove items from their vehicles should try and secure their tools and equipment in locked cabinets or fit a locked canopy to their trays.
· Report any suspicious activity you see in your street or places you are visiting; people walking around parked cars without a purpose or trying door handles should be reported to the police.
