POLICE are investigating a shocking series of home invasions in Mount Martha in the early hours of Monday 6 February, during which intruders reportedly used hammers to smash their way into several properties in Ponyara Road.
CCTV from at least two properties reveals vision of a group of male offenders smashing their way into properties around 1am, seemingly unconcerned about lights or security systems.
A home owner whose property was among at least four that were targeted in that street said the “brazen” behaviour of the four males – thought to be in their late teens – was frightening.
“Locked doors didn’t stop them, they used hammers to get into garages and my neighbour’s house and didn’t seem to have any fear, it was terrifying,” she said.
The woman said security cameras show the males searching for car keys in her garage, before moving on to her neighbour’s house when they couldn’t find any.
“These home invasions and burglaries are just getting worse around the area and the offenders are getting braver.”
The males are thought to have been driving at least two cars in convoy, possibly a white utility and a black van.
The News believes other streets were also targeted during the offenders’ crime spree, including around Martha Cove.
First published in the Mornington News – 8 February 2023
