Offenders use dog door and laundry to break into homes and steal cars

VIDEO: Residents of a Caboolture estate, who have fallen prey to alleged youth offenders breaking into cars and homes, are considering hiring private security as they count at least a crime a day.

Brazen and unremorseful is how the actions of alleged youth offenders are being described by residents of Riverbank estate in Caboolture South, who have become the target of a relentless rise in break-ins and car thefts — including where offenders have broken in via dog doors.

Police have confirmed six cases of cars being stolen or homes and cars broken into in Riverbank between September 22-27, with more unreported incidents posted in the estate’s private resident Facebook group.

The Facebook group is abuzz with residents who have had enough of youth offending in their neighbourhood, some going so far as suggesting hiring private security to patrol the estate.

Residents have posted footage from their front door cameras of underage boys and girls walking to the front door late at night, attempting to enter.

Riverbank estate in Caboolture South has been hit by a wave of stolen car and car break-ins, as many as six in a five day period. Picture: Aaron Goodwin

Reports to police include an incident between 2 and 4am, September 25 on Petrie Street, where a home was broken into via the dog door on the side of the house with the offenders then taking a set of car keys and stealing the car parked in the driveway.

The car was later found in Deception Bay.

Reports also include a theft on Bunya Crescent between 8pm September 22 and 5.45am September 23, where a car was stolen after offenders entered the home through a locked laundry door.

The car was found on Candlewood Court in Upper Caboolture on September 24.

Between 4.30 and 4.50am on September 27 at Newton Street, a blue 2013 Ford Falcon with registration plate number 567ZJK was stolen after offenders entered through the front door of the home.

The occupant was awaken by a barking dog but as soon as they made it outside, the car was already gone.

Riverbank residents have suggested hiring private security to prevent the break-ins. Picture: Aaron Goodwin

Aaron Oudman and his wife have been residents of Riverbank for four years.

Mr Oudman said the estate has seen a spike in youth crime in the estate over the past two years.

“It’s definitely happened more in the last five days then it has in the last six months,” Mr Oudman said.

“They’re pretty brazen.

“I was just watching a video before and they’ve literally walked up to the camera and don’t show any remorse or cover their face.

“We’ve got security cameras at our house and I know how to protect myself but it’s a little concerning with a baby on the way and a young family.

“It’s not nice to know there’s people that young, able to break-in through laundry doors and break-in cars and have no remorse for stealing stuff.”

Riverbank includes 60 hectares of open space and parklands and a childcare centre. Picture: Aaron Goodwin

Mr Oudman said neighbours with young families and who are elderly are concerned for their safety, saying that residents are advocating for hiring private security to prevent the break-ins.

“It’s our little estate that we take pride in and when someone comes into your own street, like the one the other night for us, a little bit close to home you’ve been hit by people who don’t care about other people’s property,” Mr Oudman said.

“It’s increased more and more.

“We see people scoping out cars but this is the first time houses have been broken into and keys and other belongings have been taken.

“It’s scary that it’s the young ones as well, they only look about 15 or 16 which is annoying because the police can’t really do anything about it.

“They’ve got their hands tied in regards to disciplinary action because they’re underage.”

Senior Constable Jo-Anne Arthur from Moreton Police said police patrols have been increased in the area as they continue to investigate these offences.

“We urge you to ensure that your cars and homes are locked and that you remove your valuables from your vehicles,” Snr Cons Arthur said.

“Please do not leave remote controls to your house in your ungaraged vehicle.

“We also encourage you to report all suspicious behaviour to police at the time that it is occurring.”