Woman shaken after third Shoalhaven home invasion

Shoalhaven police have called on the community to help with investigating a number of aggravated break-ins in the region including three in three nights in Nowra and Bomaderry.

A police team has been formed to investigate the break-ins and patrols of the areas where the offences occurred have been stepped up.

Inspector Steve Johnson said police had not ruled out a link between the break-ins.

“We will be chasing all the rabbits down the holes to find who is responsible,” he said.

“From time to time we have spikes in crime and this can be for various reasons. It might be a new crook is in town.

“We review local crime on a daily basis to ensure we have the right police in the right places at the right times.”

The importance of information from the community cannot be overstated in relation to helping police solve crimes.

Inspector Johnson encouraged people to phone the police if they thought they had any information relating to the recent break-ins.

“Police are committed to keeping the community safe, but we need public co-operation to help us solve these offences,” he said.

“Someone in the community must know who is responsible for these break and enters.

“That small amount of information could be the final piece of the puzzle we need to apprehend the offender.”

He said a lot of crime was solved using information passed on by the public.

Last year’s bashing of Francois Beugels in North Nowra was an example where community information played a pivotal role in helping police apprehend the offenders.

While Mr Beugels continues to live with the psychological impact of that horrific attack, he was aware and thankful of the community’s efforts to help police.

“I couldn’t remember much about it [the attack] whatsoever,” Mr Beugels said.

“First of all someone got a glimpse of the getaway car, and someone had part of the number plate.”

Mr Beugels said police used that information to find who the car was registered to.

“The reaction to my case was absolutely fantastic. It certainly boosts moral.

“Mind you it doesn’t help too much with the fear I’m left with.

“Even now I’m very wary with strange noises and things like that.

“Before I even think about it my heart starts pumping,” Mr Beugels said.

Inspector Johnson encouraged the community to look out for their neighbours and be aware of what is happening around your home.

Information can be passed on to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Nowra Police station on 44 219 699. If a crime is taking place phone Triple 0.