Police are reminding all to be vigilant: to watch for suspicious activity, report to police and to prevent becoming a victim. Stealing from motor vehicles and properties both locked and unlocked as well as from property left unattended in parks, beaches, and licensed premises is on the rise. Just in the past week six incidents were reported to police.

At the construction site of the new Wauchope-Bonny Hills Surf Club, a portable building was broken into between 4pm Monday October 12 and 7.30am Tuesday October 13. Two two-way radios and chargers were stolen. The equipment was worth $800 a significant cost for the surf lifesaving club and a vital tool in saving lives on the beach.

Two cars had their windows smashed at Grants Beach carpark North Haven between 12 noon and 2pm Monday October 12. A mobile phone was stolen from one car and a bag of children’s clothing from the other. At the same location on Saturday October 10 thieves smashed the driver’s window of a car and stole a camera, mobile phone, ipod and Katmandu handbag.

At a holiday home in Macrae Street Bonny Hills police allege thieves forced a screen and opened a closed but unlocked window to steal a number of valuable items - including Canon still and movie cameras worth more than $2000, watches, rings, a fob watch, Bushnell binoculars and case, a Panasonic DVD player and two packs of 80 DVDs.

Between 10pm Wednesday October 7 and 5.30am Thursday October 8 two bicycles and an esky were stolen from outside a caravan at a North Haven caravan park.

“Please lock your premise when you go out, even if you are just in the backyard,” said Senior Constable Steve Cherry, Crime Prevention Officer for the Mid North Coast.

“If you are going to leave your windows open, make sure they are locked in that position. Don’t leave wallets, car keys or valuable items in the open. With regard to your motor vehicle, don’t leave your car unattended with the keys in the ignition even if it’s for just a minute. A good rule is if the car is at home make sure the keys are with you. Secure your vehicle at night. Don’t leave valuables in clear sight. When you go to the beach don’t leave your gear on the beach unattended. At licensed premises don’t leave wallets, handbags or mobile phones unattended on tables. For the holiday makers, please don’t leave eskies, fishing gear, bicycles and swimming gear in the open. Enjoy yourselves but don’t give thieves a chance.”