Old-school police work has helped nab three people over a string of break-ins across the Sutherland Shire and St George.
Strike Force Tuckerway was set up to investigate a series of break-ins at businesses and homes across the region.
Detectives from Miranda and Sutherland trawled through countless break-in reports over the past few months, going over every detail to see if anything matched.
They tested DNA, took fingerprints and read through case files over and over again.
The countless hours paid off with three men charged with dozens of offences.
It all started on Wednesday, September 13, when officers searched a building at Linden Street, Sutherland, where several stolen vehicles were found.
On the same day a 34 year-old man was arrested after a pursuit near Sandy Point. He was charged with 31 offences relating to break and enters and stolen motor vehicles.
He will next face Sutherland Local Court on December 7.
The operation made a second arrest two weeks later when they arrested a second man, 31, after a pursuit involving an unregistered motorcycle.
He was charged with several offences and is currently serving a custodial sentence.
The arrests continued this month when they arrested a third man, 23, during a search of a home on Sunnyside Avenue at Caringbah.
During the search they seized several items connected to the break-ins..
He was charged with nine offences including break and enter, receiving stolen property, breaching a prohibited weapons order and possessing a prohibited weapon.
On Wednesday, October 18, a man, 31, was arrested on Wemala Avenue, Riverwood, as he got out of a stolen motor vehicle.
He was charged with 31 offences including outstanding warrants, aggravated break and enter, receiving stolen property, take and drive conveyance, and supply prohibited drug.
It was the same man charged on Wednesday 13 September 2017.
He will next face court on October 31.
The arrests came after a series of break-ins with numerous people committing several offences.
Cooked and Co in Sans Souci was one of the cafe’s targeted last week.
Mr Paisley’s in Caringbah was also broken into on the same night.
Cooked and Co owner Steph Phillips said a neighbour called her just before 4am after hearing smashing glass.
She arrived with her husband Luke minutes later to find the front door smashed and the till taken.
Mrs Phillips said it was a shock.
“We’ve been here for five years and this is the first time something like this has happened,’’ she said.
“All they stole was $100 so it really wasn’t worth it.
“It’s disturbing. We’re a small business and it’s hard enough as it is.’’
The couple pushed on, clearing the glass at 4am ready for their morning customers.
While only $100 was stolen the cost to repair the front door cost a lot more.
‘’We’re gutted, it’s really disappointing,’’ she said. “We’re just happy no-one was hurt.’’
The arrests were a win for Miranda and Sutherland Police.
Miranda police Commander Superintendent Michael O’Toole, said the arrests have created a safer community.
He said it was also a reminder for people to be vigilant to avoid becoming a victim.
“There are some basic steps everyone can take to protect themselves and their property,’’ he said.
“Fit quality security doors, windows, locks alarms, lighting and warning signs. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to improve visibility around your property.
“Mark valuable property and record their details; and never advertise travel plans on social media.’’