Burglars strike Gympie, Rainbow Beach cars, homes

Investigations are underway into five burglaries carried out in as many days across the Gympie region in which a multitude of items, including a hot water system, were stolen.

Police are investigating after burglars made off with multiple items,including a scooter and a hot water system, in a series of crimes across the region.

An electric scooter, a hot water system and power tools are among multiple items stolen from properties during a recent spate of break-ins across the region.

Police say they are investigating the string of burglaries which occurred over a five day period.

The first was at Rainbow Beach on October 5.

Police said a handbag containing money, a Samsung mobile phone and several bank and personal cards were stolen from inside a vehicle parked outside an Ibis Court home.

The thieves struck sometime between 12.45pm and 8.10pm.

Two days later, on October 7, two Gympie homes were targeted by burglars.

In the first burglary the thieves entered a Wickham St residence between 3am and 3.30am and stole a black 2015 Ku-Goo G-Booster electric scooter and charger.

In the second burglary, which happened at a Sproule Rd property 12.45pm and 1pm, police said the thieves entered through an open garage door, walked into the hallway and stolen a white Flylite brand cabin size luggage bag containing various items.

Police say thieves entered Sproule Rd property through an open garage door on October 7 and stole a luggage bag containing various items.

On October 9 burglars entered a home at Chatsworth Rd and stole a hot water system and power tools.

The next day, on October 10, thieves entered a vehicle parked outside a home at Evelyn Rd, Southside, and stole a wallet.

Police from Gympie Crime Prevention Unit have urged people to take precautions, saying thieves are “opportunists”.

“Ensure you lock your vehicle and don’t leave items of value in your vehicle whilst unattended,” police said in a released statement.

“Always keep your home, garage, or shed door closed and locked with a key and double check that you have locked your residence, shed or garage, even if you are home.”

They advised people to mark all materials, power tools, hand tools and farm machinery with their name to prove ownership and encouraged records keeping of identifying features, serial numbers, and purchase details for insurance purposes and so, if property is located, it can be returned to its rightful owner.