Police are urging residents to lock their car doors and keep valuables in the house amid a surge in vehicle break ins across the South Coast.
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Officer in charge of Nowra Police Station, Inspector Ray Stynes, said there has been an increase in "opportunistic" car break ins over the last week.
At its worst, Mr Stynes said there were six reported break ins across the South Coast in one night on Tuesday, December 14.
He said the increase in such crimes is "unusual" and could be due to the more visitors in the area ahead of Christmas.
"With the influx of additional people in the area, it does happen," said Inspector Stynes.
"It happens often but not to the point where its happened in recent times.
"It's just people walking down the road checking, checking doors, they find one that's open, and they rummage through it."
Inspector Stynes urged residents to exercise extra caution and ensure car doors are locked, they are in a garage where possible and to remove valuables.
"Keep the keys away from the vehicle in a secure place inside the house," he said.
"Particularly with tools, make sure they are secured in the back of a ute."
He encouraged to always report vehicle break ins or suspicious activity to your local South Coast police station.
According to Inspector Stynes, reporting this type of crime has led to the arrest of 25-year-old man who has been charged with charges including: several steal from motor vehicles, a number of frauds and driving a stolen vehicle.
The man will appear at Nowra Local Court on Wednesday.
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