Perth Voice Interactive

SANTA wasn’t the only person entering homes in the dead of night over the holidays.

Nasty little gremlins were also about, taking advantage of empty houses, says Bayswater acting officer in charge Will Withers.

There were 25 burglaries and seven car thefts in his district alone between Christmas and new year’s.

Snr Sgt Withers told the Voice about two crimes on Christmas Day.

Sometime between 11.30pm Christmas Eve and 7am — while residents were away — a thief broke in through a sliding door, left Santa’s milk and cookies untouched, and headed straight for a laptop and bank cards.

“No Ferrero Rocher chocolates were taken either,” he notes.

In Mount Lawley, a camera, iPad and jewellery (none were wrapped under the tree) were taken the same night.

Snr Sgt Withers says most crimes like this are drug-related and culprits are familiar with breaking the law.

He says there was also a significant spike in thefts from cars, especially near the river where drivers had left wallets visible.

Morley officer-in-charge Tony Vuleta didn’t provide any figures but says there “was not a marked difference” in reported crime this Christmas compared to last year.

“There was nothing outside the norm for Morley police,” Snr Sgt Vuleta says. “Nothing unusual stolen.”

The Voice tried contacting the Perth and Wembley stations, but failed to get responses.

by EMMIE DOWLING