IN ONE of three aggravated burglaries, involving car thefts over the weekend, the Wonthaggi owner of one of the cars awoke to see three offenders legging it away down Cuttlers Circuit in the early hours of Monday morning, July 21.
On that occasion, they left the car behind, after breaking into the house, stealing the keys and rummaging around in the car before being disturbed.
Wonthaggi Police believe that incident might be connected with the theft of another car in nearby Campbell Street, likely in the early hours of Sunday morning, July 20 when the offenders have gained entry to the home, through an unlocked sliding door, while the occupants were asleep, located the keys and stolen a silver Honda Jazz, licence plate number UUY756.
This car has not been recovered but was sighted by police in the early hours of Monday morning, in the Tarwin Lower area. They closed in on the car, only for it to be driven away in erratic fashion, enough for police to discontinue their pursuit for fear of causing a risk to other motorists.
Police are still looking for that car, and the offenders, very keen to receive information from the public about the car and its occupants, mindful of the very serious offences that have been committed.
Police have also advised of the theft of a third car in Higg Street Leongatha, a white 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander, rego 1ZP8MV, at around 4am on Monday morning. This car was also involved in the theft of petrol from BP in Korumburra at about 4.30am.
The offenders have gained entry through an open garage door, locked the keys inside, and stole the car, much to the distain of the owners who posted a message about “the scum who stole my husband’s car”, seeking CCTV or dashcam footage.
“If anyone living in Higg Street has cameras, please message me,” said the homeowner.
Acting Inspector Bass Coast LAC Jason Hullick revealed a common theme with a number of these incidents which car owners can assist police by dealing with.
“I know people sometimes forget to lock the house or their cars but they can go a long way to deterring thieves if they have a quick check before they go to bed to ensure that everything is safely and securely locked down,” said Acting Inspector Hullick.
“We’ve had an ongoing problem with car thefts, as they have in all other areas, and we just ask people to lock their cars and securely lock their houses and workplaces.”
Those with information about these thefts or the whereabouts of the stolen cars can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or via the website: HERE
