Residents’ plea as brazen serial pest targets central Gold Coast suburb

Frustrated Gold Coast residents are urging police to ‘lock up’ a brazen serial pest captured on CCTV breaking into multiple homes. WATCH THE VIDEO

Frustrated Gold Coast residents are urging police to “lock up” a brazen serial pest they say has been captured on CCTV breaking into multiple homes in the same area.

Carrara residents say the man has targeted units in the Acacia Grove complex on Ancona St since August.

Images captured on home security CCTV cameras have been shared to a Facebook community group.

They show a caucasian, middle-aged man wearing a cap inside residents’ homes at night and roaming the complex.

An Acacia Grove resident told the Bulletin the man walked straight into his home in August after a visitor accidentally left his back door open overnight.

A CCTV image of a break-in at an Acacia Grove unit.

“He took my missus’ backpack, including bank cards that were inside, and he started to use the cards.”

The resident, who asked not to be named, said CCTV footage was provided to police but they have not yet been able to identify the man.

He said the same man came into his backyard earlier this week and broke into other units.

“We want police to catch this guy and lock him up,” he said.

“That shouldn’t be the community’s duty.

“This should be the police’s duty, especially when they have so much evidence.”

CCTV of a break-in at an Acacia Grove unit.

Another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said her partner’s bank card was stolen a few weeks ago, but police managed to track down the man responsible and arrest him.

“I’ve lived in Carrara for over eight years and have loved it. I’ve had zero issues apart from this one,” she said.

“I was shocked to see (the posts online) and how many people have witnessed this same person.

“I think if we can rid our streets of him, we will be fine.”

Acacia Grove complex sign. Picture: Tertius Pickard

The woman said the serial pest residents were complaining about fit the same description as the man who stole her partner’s bank card.

“I don’t believe there’s many mid-30s men doing these kind of things. It’s normally kids,” she said.

“Of course it’s a bit concerning and I think bringing this to light is good to alert everyone to be safer.

“It’s a good reminder to lock everything, even when you are home, and consider some security cameras if you don’t already have them.”

Ancona St, Carrara. Picture: Tertius Pickard

A Queensland Police spokeswoman said an investigation was under way into a reported break and enter of a unit at Ancona St about 2am Wednesday.

She said police were continuing to investigate the burglary of another Ancona St unit on August 11.

Anyone with further information should phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.