Police say Sutherland Shire is seen by criminals as a "soft target" for home and vehicle robberies.
A warning to residents was issued after a spate of weekend home burglaries, stolen cars and thefts from vehicles over the last month.
In one weekend early this month, police were called to offences in the Sutherland, Kirrawee, Gymea, Miranda Caringbah and Cronulla areas.
Greenhills was targeted last weekend.
On Saturday night, police received several reports of cars being broken into and a vehicle stolen.
"Forensic officers have been in attendance and investigations are ongoing," a police Facebook post said.
"We would appreciate if Greenhills residents could check any CCTV or dashcam footage they have for Saturday night / Sunday morning that shows any suspicious activity."
A police operation in the Caringbah-Burraneer area on Tuesday afternoon this week led to the arrest of five people and the recovery of three stolen cars.
A police statement said the operation followed "an ongoing investigation into a spate of recent of motor vehicle thefts and steal from motor vehicle [incidents]".
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In an interview prior to this week's operation, Senior Constable Mary Portelli, a crime prevention officer with Sutherland Shire Area Police Command said residents needed to be more aware of the risk of robbery.
"People get a bit lax, and leave doors open," she said
"They think 'it's never going to happen to me' or it 'doesn't happen in the shire'."
Senior Constable Portelli said the weekend offences "seem to start on Thursday and run through until Sunday" and many were believed to be the work of "out-of-towners".
"Because we are on the train line, it is easy for people from outside the shire to travel in and see what they can find," she said.
"It's opportunistic - if they walk past and see an open door or window, they feel it's an open invitation.
"When we have talked to some of the people who have been caught, they tell us Sutherland Shire is a soft target."
Police advice to residents includes:
Secure your home
- Fit quality security doors, windows, locks, alarms, lighting and warning signs
- Secure all windows and doors.
- Activate your alarm, smoke detectors and security lighting.
- Lock your gates, sheds and garages.
- Check your home
- Ensure your street number is clearly visible.
- Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to improve visibility around your home
- Lock away items such as ladders, tools and gardening equipment.
- Don't leave spare keys outside the home.
- Don't leave valuables, mobile devices or keys (home or vehicle) in clear view.
- Mark valuable property and record details.
- When away from home
- Use a timer to activate an internal light or radio to give the impression someone is home.
- Have family, a trusted friend or neighbour check on your home. Inform them of your travel plans, park a vehicle in the driveway, collect the garbage bins and mail.
- Consider redirecting your mail, newspapers and deliveries.
- Never advertise your travel on social media sites.
Protect your car from being stolen
- NEVER leave your keys in the ignition when not in your car; even in your driveway at home
- ALWAYS keep your car's doors and windows locked, including when driving
- CONSIDER upgrading your car's security with a quality alarm or for older vehicles an electronic immobiliser
- NEVER leave your keys in plain view either at home or in public places such as restaurants.
- Car safe - car-security-begins-at-home and with you
- Protect the property in your car
- ALWAYS keep your doors and windows locked when out of your car
- NEVER leave valuables such as mobile phones, handbags, GPS or spare change in plain view Even when parked at home
- ALWAYS try to park in a well-lit or populated area
- TRADIES, always lock your toolboxes and ute trays and try to avoid parking on the street at night