Residents urged to be vigilant

Central Coast detectives have urged residents on the Woy Woy Peninsula to be "extra vigilant" following a number of break-and-enter offences.

Officers attached to Brisbane Water Local Area Command's Anti-Theft Squad were conducting inquiries into about 30 offences in the Woy Woy, Umina, Ettalong Beach and Patonga areas, which had occurred since the beginning of the month.

A report from NSW Police Media said that, in the majority of cases, the male offender had entered the victims' homes through an unlocked door and stolen cash and personal items.

Investigators believed the incidents were linked.

The offender had been described to police as being of "white/European appearance, aged between 25 and 40, with greying-blond hair".

Local police were conducting high visibility patrols and covert operations in an attempt to identify and apprehend the offender.

Brisbane Water LAC crime manager Detective Acting Inspector Paul Kelly urged local residents to take the following steps to safeguard their property.

"Ensure all perimeter fences are in good order and that gates are kept closed and locked to restrict unauthorised access to your property," Inspector Kelly said.

"Trim trees and shrubs from around doors and windows so as not to provide concealment for intruders and to increase visibility to and from the street.

"Install quality security lights around the perimeter of your home to provide more effective illumination at night.

"Doors to your home should be fitted with quality dead locks. Security screen doors should be kept locked at all times - even when occupants are home.

"Windows should be secured with key-operated locks to restrict unauthorised access.

"Engrave your driver's licence number, prefixed by the initials "NSW", on all items of value to assist in easy identification.

"Photograph jewellery and other collectables for easy identification.

"Consider having a monitored intruder alarm system installed."

Anyone who witnesses any suspicious activity in the Woy Woy Peninsula area or has any information that might assist investigators has been urged to contact Gosford police station on 4323 5599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Press release, 18 May 2007 NSW Police Media