ORANGE Police are calling for residents to remain vigilant after a string of break and enters in Orange.
ORANGE Police are calling for residents to remain vigilant after a string of break and enters in Orange.
Yesterday morning a couple in Nile Street woke to the horror realisation someone had been ratting through their house while they slept.
The offender gained entry through an open back door, stealing a purse before leaving without a noise.
Acting Inspector Brenden Turner said it was unfortunate that people could no longer leave their doors and windows open while they were at home, but that was when criminals struck.
“It’s a common thing that people leave their valuables like their phones and wallets in the kitchen area of the house but that’s where the crooks will get it,” he said.
“They will come in, steal handbags, wallets and keys.”
Inspector Turner says criminals rarely steal items such as televisions and DVD players, rather they go for items that are easily carried away.
He said the warmer weather traditionally brought out more criminals and this latest string of break and enters was not unusual.
“Orange is a cold climate and crooks don’t usually go wandering around in minus 5 degrees at night,” he said.
Inspector Turner said it was important people learnt from the experiences of others and made sure valuables were taken into the bedroom when people went to sleep.
“Crooks are loathe to go into the bedrooms as that’s when they’ll disturb someone,” he said.
The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research’s latest information shows in September 2012 there were 32 houses broken into and nine cases where something was stolen from the house.
The same period in 2011 showed there was 42 houses broken into and 24 cases where something was stolen.
