A BLACK Jeep was stolen from a property in Balnarring last week.

Hastings Senior Sergeant Warren Francis-Pester said the thief entered the back door of the Balnarring Beach Road house and stole the car’s keys and a mobile phone from a kitchen bench, 3am, Wednesday 30 September.

The owner said he heard a car start but thought it must be his neighbour’s. He realised the keys, and car, were missing when he awoke later in the morning. His son’s laptop was in the back seat.

Council staff reportedly found the man’s personal papers, picnic table and a roof rack in a nearby park and returned them.

Sergeant Francis-Pester said tradies’ utes were also targeted by thieves in York Street, Renown Road and Bruce Street, Balnarring, around the same time and urged owners to lock their vehicles and hide their tools out of sight.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or report it online at crimestoppersvic.com.au

First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 6 October 2020