A group of men ejected from Towradgi Beach Hotel have led a damaging rampage through surrounding streets, sparking a police investigation.
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The men collected a pool ball before departing the Pioneer Road venue about 10.15pm Wednesday, and later threw it through the first-floor glass balcony of a home on Towradgi Road.
Earlier, en route, they climbed inside a Murranar Road front yard and stole light-up Christmas decorations from the verandah, then jumped on a nearby car until its roof crumpled in.
Police seized a pool ball from outside the damaged home late Wednesday and brought in the dog squad as part of efforts to find the men, believed aged in their late-teens or early-20s.
Chris Tobin was inside the home, watching television with his wife, when he heard the glass shatter.
“I got up and I saw six or seven young blokes fleeing down towards Corrimal Surf Club,” Mr Tobin told the Mercury.
“The police dogs were chasing them, but lost them.
“It’s disgusting. It’s just reckless damage, for no reason.”
The Tobins awoke early on Thursday to clear the shattered glass, which spilled onto neighbouring council land.
The crime spree prompted multiple residents to dial triple-zero.
Wollongong Police Inspector Don Faulds described the rampage as “a low act”.
“They’ve caused havoc,” he said.
“We don’t tolerate any acts of violence or damage to property. As far as I’m concerned the people that caused this can explain to a magistrate why they thought this was appropriate behaviour.
“We all go out and have a good time but we don’t all decide to destroy property.”
Police were expected to view CCTV footage from the venue later on Thursday, as part of efforts to identify the men.
A manager for the venue confirmed the group had become rowdy and been asked to leave.
Murranar Road resident Monica Sergi, whose Christmas lawn ornaments were stolen, said she was disturbed to realise the men had been on her verandah, a couple of metres from where her baby was sleeping.
“It’s not the value of the [stolen items] it’s just that you feel so unsafe,” she said.
“We’re lucky we didn’t leave our car our on the street.
“It’s sad because we never used to have that problem in Towradgi. This is a very quiet and very nice neighbourhood.”
An investigation into the matter is ongoing. Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 to provide any information that could assist police.
Angela Thompson
Proudly Illawarra Mercury since 2008; these days covering crime and justice issues. UOW alum. Thrilled by the chase and sobered by some of the things I see and hear when I stand still - sometimes in the same day. ang.thompson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Proudly Illawarra Mercury since 2008; these days covering crime and justice issues. UOW alum. Thrilled by the chase and sobered by some of the things I see and hear when I stand still - sometimes in the same day. ang.thompson@austcommunitymedia.com.au
