Break-ins have become commonplace for residents of Gobbagombalin, Boorooma and Estella in recent months. Photo: Stock.
Wagga’s northern suburbs continue to be plagued by car break-ins and thefts.
Riverina Police District reported a string of offences via their Facebook page on Friday (27 May).
Between 6 pm on Wednesday 25 May and 4 am the following Thursday, there were seven thefts from vehicles and two cars were stolen in the Gobbagombalin and Boorooma area.
Victims of these crimes included residents of Strickland Drive, Breasley Crescent, Trumper Street, Durack Circuit, Jumbuck Drive and Harold Crescent.
Gobbagombalin resident Ashleigh Roche had her car stolen on Wednesday night and said it was upsetting for the area to be continually targeted.
Ashleigh and her family lived in Glenfield Park before building a house and moving to Gobbagombalin just over a year ago.
“These people broke into the house and took the car keys off the bench,” the mother of three said.
“It’s absolutely terrifying, especially with young children in the house.
“It’s scary when it happens but the aftermath of not being able to get children to school, go to town or get to work is just a nightmare.”
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows that the Wagga Wagga region has some of the state’s highest and most concerning rates of car break-ins and thefts.
The most recent data puts the rate of ‘motor vehicle theft’ offences at 194.6 per 100,000 population, while ‘steal from motor vehicle’ offences clock in at 589.9 per 100,000 population.
BOCSAR data also indicates that the rate of these offences has remained stable over the last two years.
“I think these people are just getting a slap on the wrist if they’re caught, and that’s why these break-ins keep happening,” Ashleigh said.
“Sadly I think they will continue to happen.”
Police have obtained CCTV footage of two people walking through the suburbs in the early hours of Thursday morning, who they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.
Police are requesting public assistance to locate CCTV footage of the same two people.
Ashleigh and her family are not taking any more chances and encourage the community to be vigilant.
“We will definitely be putting security systems and cameras up,” Ashleigh confirmed.
The two people were seen on CCTV at 1:59 am walking southbound along Messenger Avenue, Boorooma, and again at 3:30 am walking northbound along Jumbuck Drive, Gobbagombalin.
If you review your CCTV cameras and locate any suspicious activity, please contact the Riverina Police District Proactive Crime Team on 6922 2599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The public is reminded not to report information regarding crime on social media pages.
Original Article published by Anna Maskus on About Regional.
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