THERE has been a rash of burglaries in Cleveland and Birkdale, with people in two houses waking up to an intruder.
The incidents have prompted police to increase patrols, particularly at night.
A person sleeping in a house in Middle Street, Cleveland woke to see a person’s shadow on the wall in the early hours of last Friday.
The man had broken a window lock on the top level of a two-storey home to gain access.
The residents chased him out of the house.
About 3am the same day, people inside a Sommersea Drive, Cleveland house also woke to an intruder.
They heard dogs barking and found someone in an upstairs bedroom.
The residents chased the man, who had gained access through a downstairs window, out of the house.
They later found cash had been stolen.
Around the same time, attempts were made to break into a house in Queen Street in Cleveland.
Early the previous morning, houses in Edie Terrace and Vantage Crescent in Wellington Point were broken into.
On Wednesday, four houses in the vicinity of Quarry Road in Birkdale were broken into between about midnight and 6am.
Police believe the same offenders were responsible for the four break-ins.
A car was stolen from one house and cash and jewellery from others.
Police also suspect the incidents in Cleveland are linked and have increased patrols in the areas where the offences occurred.
They have increased their use of unmarked police cars and high visibility policing in response to the burglaries.
Bayside Patrol crime prevention co-ordinator Sergeant Chris Hebblethwaite reminded residents to key-lock doors and remove keys from screen door locks.
He said residents could also install a finger guard on security screens and should avoid leaving house and car keys where they could be seen or in reach of open doors and windows.
”These simple measures can help prevent you from becoming a victim of property crime,” he said.
Residents could also consider installing sensor lights and CCTV cameras.
Anyone who finds they have become a victim of crime or sees anyone acting suspiciously, should report it to police immediately by calling 131 444 or triple zero (000) in an emergency.
If you have information that may be able to assist police contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppers.com.au.
