MAN NABS BURGLAR

A HAMLYN Heights homeowner has caught a burglar in the act, making a citizen’s arrest in the early hours of the morning.

Police say a 15-year-old tried to steal a car from a Mary St home about 3am yesterday.

Senior Constable Shaun Johnson said the youth was part of a group that broke into the home.

“They’ve got into the house through a roller door and taken a car key,” Sen-Constable Johnson said.

“The homeowner has woken up and found a teen in his car in his driveway.”

He said the teen was charged with aggravated burglary and theft of a motor vehicle.

The burglary follows at least two others in Belmont and Hamlyn Heights over the weekend.

Belmont homeowner Rachel Harrison said almost $20,000 worth of property was stolen from her Mt Pleasant Rd home on Saturday night.

Thieves escaped from her property with about $10,000 worth of jewellery, including an engagement ring and diamond wedding ring.

“We had the glass on some of our French doors smashed and the doors were kicked in,” Ms Harrison said.

A silver Holden station wagon with registration YVA 492 was also stolen from the property between six and 10pm.

Hamlyn Heights resident Maddelyn Crawford said her home was also broken into during that time frame.

“Just letting everyone know to be extremely vigilant. Our house was robbed (on Saturday) between 6pm and 10pm in Hamlyn Heights,” Ms Crawford posted on social media.

“Words can’t describe my frustration. To walk into your house and have it completely turned upside down is gut wrenching.

“An enormous amount of property was taken, so I just wanted to let everyone know so you can all be aware and stay safe.”

Hamlyn Heights locksmith Ash Reed told the Geelong Advertiser he had changed locks at three properties at the weekend.

“There was one woman in Geelong West who had her car stolen while she went inside to get some water to get frost off her windscreen,” Mr Reed said. Cars were stolen at all the properties he attended.

“People almost need to put their car keys in safes or hide them away (due to the number of break-ins),” he said.

Yesterday the teenager tried to apply for bail in a Children’s Court but the matter was adjourned until today.

Anyone with information on any of the break-ins is urged to contact the Geelong Crime Investigation Unit on 5225 3100.