Petty but cashless: Monique Metcalfe

By Heather Smith

Two men driving a stolen white HiLux have been arrested by Wollongong Police on burglary charges.

Inspector Neil Wiblin said the men were suspected of being involved in thefts in Thirroul and the Sutherland Shire.

Police have yet to establish whether the pair have any connection to the reccent widespread break-ins in Helensburgh and Stanwell Park.

In the early hours of Monday, 24 April, nine businesses in Helensburgh and two in Stanwell Park were broken into, including Ray White Real Estate in Parkes Street.

Receptionist Monique Metcalfe (pictured right with empty cash boxes) said the thieves had overturned drawers and broken into a locked storeroom, thinking valuables were kept there.

The agency had four  brand-new computers stolen as well as a laptop and a digital camera. The agency’s hard-drive was taken but was fortunately backed up.

“It was just a mess,” said Monique.

PRDNationwide was also broken into, with thives smashing the front window and stealing a digital camera as well as other camera equipment.

Kicking in the windows of businesses was how the thieves gained entry and glazier Drew Rendall of Stanwell Park had his busiest day on the Monday morning carrying out emergency repairs.

“Everyone was in a bit of shock,” said Drew of MDR Glass & Glazing. “It’s rare for this sort of thing to happen in a small town.”

Piccadilly Travel Service, Lisa’s Hair Design, Pizzaramma and the vet surgery also had windows broken and equipment stolen.

It was a rude shock for the new operators of the vet who had only just opened for business the week before.

“I felt like crying when I walked in,” said assistant Tash Huzyliak.

The break-ins follow a spate of vandalism incidents in Helensburgh, including the destruction of new planter pots along Walker Street and grafitti damage.

Police presence has been increased in the town however theere were no reports of forced entries until people arrived for work the next morning.

Houses in Stanwell Tops and Stanwell Park have been targetted in six-monthly cycles over the past few years but this is the first concerted and organised attack on the area’s businesses.

Police are advising business owners to install burlgar alarms to deter thieves.