FRUSTRATED police have pleaded with the public to lock up their homes, after a spate of break-and-enters in Tamworth ended with a stolen car being torched.
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Tamworth police told the Leader officers were called to three separate break-ins at Tamworth homes overnight on Tuesday.
Oxley police Chief Inspector Jeff Budd said all three properties that were targeted were "insecure" in some way, with open or unlatched doors and windows.
He warned the community to lock up, or lose it.
"When there's opportunistic offenders wandering around and there are doors open or keys sitting on desks, it's very hard for us to police the inside of people's homes," he said.
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"For goodness sake, please take a good look at your home's security and please keep your place secure."
Chief Inspector Budd said offenders stalking the streets at night could take advantage of a house if it's open.
"The fact is that if a door's open, a door's open," he said.
A Ford Ranger ute was stolen from a Raglan Street home in East Tamworth on Tuesday night, after thieves broke into the house and made off with the keys.
The ute was found engulfed in flames on the opposite side of town just hours later.
Chief Inspector Budd said police were first notified the vehicle had been stolen at about midnight.
He told the Leader the Ford Ranger was dumped and torched on Southview Street in West Tamworth, after officers responded to emergency calls for help just after 4am on Wednesday.
Chief Inspector Budd confirmed police investigations into the incidents - including the car fire - are continuing.
He said there are some simple measures that can be taken to make sure homes are secure, and help stop crime in its tracks.
Chief Inspector Budd said that starts with locking all doors and windows, even when residents are home, and keeping valuables out of plain sight inside the house.
"Take an effort to hide your wallet and keys from sight," he said on Wednesday.
He said there are plenty of options for concerned residents to consider.
"If you're worried, install a motion sensor light ... put some cameras up and secure your premises," Chief Inspector Budd said.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald.
