Outboard motor returned to Scarborough Wombarra Surf Club

Scarborough Wombarra Surf Club after the break and enter.

SCARBOROUGH Wombarra Surf Club’s outboard motor has been returned after Wollongong Police believes it smashed an organised crime operation.

Police believe they have broken the crime syndicate, made-up of about three or four people, after a haul of tens of thousands of dollars in stolen goods, including power tools and life saving equipment from storage sheds in North Wollongong.

There has been a series of break-and-enters as well as car thefts in Thirroul, Austinmer and further north in recent weeks, including at Scarborough Wombarra Surf Club. Items like phones, wallets, tablets, jewellery and fitness equipment have been reported stolen.

Robberies at Woonona Bulli RSL and an Austinmer home on Tuesday are also believed be linked to the alleged crime syndicate.

Crime Manager Detective Chief Inspector Brad Ainsworth said Wollongong police officers have been working with the Lake Illawarra Anti Theft Squad to solve the spate of robberies, mainly in the northern suburbs

The stolen goods would have either been sold on the black market or on-sold to friends of the offenders.

Insp Ainsworth said northern suburbs’ residents need to be more aware and keep vehicles and other property secured and locked.