Scott Freeman, in undies, chased down a teen crook in Mermaid Waters

The director of a prominent Gold Coast gym has opened up about how he successfully chased a teenager down wearing only his underpants after some young crooks broke into his home twice in one night. See the video

The director of a prominent Gold Coast gym has successfully chased a teenager down wearing only his underpants after some young crooks broke into his home twice in one night.

EMF director Scott Freeman was able to tackle one to the ground during the early Saturday morning break-in at Mermaid Waters.

Mr Freeman spoke to the Bulletin about how the young would-be thieves had broken into his home at first around 2.50am.

They were chased off.

A teen was captured on CCTV in a Mermaid Waters backyard the same night Scott Freeman's home was broken into – twice.

But about an hour later at 3.45am, Mr Freeman heard the door of his Audi open.

“I was straight up, down the stairs in my underwear and I chased them down the road and they didn’t get a chance to get my car,” he said.

“I have got probably 100m down the road and detained one.”

Mr Freeman said he yelled to neighbours who called police but the second teen got away.

Police arrived soon and took the 16-year-old into custody.

The brazen break-ins has left Mr Freeman’s family – including a seven-year-old and 18-month-old, in fear.

“I am meant to be in Sydney for work overnight but I can’t leave the home,” he said.

“My family is scared for their life because people have been in our house.”

Scott, Kylee, Cruz and Duke Freeman near Charis Seafoods the day after their home was broken into. Picture: Richard Gosling

Mr Freeman said he was speaking to neighbours about the break-in and one checked their CCTV from that night.

He said that CCTV included the teen who had broken into Mr Freeman’s home exploring the second backyard.

Mr Freeman, who was previously in the military, said he was fortunate to be physically able enough to deter the would-be thieves but others in his neighbourhood were not fortunate enough.

He called for changes to the justice system.

“These offenders feel like they can get away with anything,” he said.

“They are making people fear for their lives in their own home.”

He said the teens were acting like adults so they should be treated that way.

“The judges here need to ensure they are protecting the Gold Coast,” he said.

Gold Coast Police District Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said they had been called to the area after reports of attempted to break in to homes.

He said police initially believed two people were involved but further investigations uncovered that five people were involved.

Supt Hanlon said two girls and two boys had fled in a red Peugeot hatchback.

He said the 16-year-old had an extensive criminal history had been charged with 19 offences including break and enter and fraud.

The juvenile appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday and was remanded to custody until the next court date on January 18.

Supt Hanlon urged people to keep their homes and keys secure, particularly in the warmer weather.

He urged those who may be considering vigilante justice to “be mindful of the situation they put themselves in”.

“I don’t want to see people get themselves into a situation that my put them at risk or may potentially cause them injury,” he said.

Supt Hanlon said police figures showed that juvenile crime was decreasing.

He said when comparing juvenile crime on the Gold Coast between January 1 and September 30 last year and the same period this year juvenile crime had decreased about 20 per cent.

He said for the same period offences committed on the Gold Coast by juveniles on bail had decreased by about 30 per cent.

Follow @leae