Police in Sydney’s west are investigating a series of thefts that have raised concerns among local residents. The incidents occurred early Saturday morning in Penrith, specifically within a three-kilometre radius, and involved six separate cases, including the theft and subsequent arson of an electrician’s van.
The van, belonging to Salam Rofail, was stolen around 2am from St Clair. CCTV footage shows a person pushing the van down Chatsworth Road. Inside the vehicle were $10,000 worth of tools, essential for Rofail’s work. “It was kind of a panic attack,” he recounted, reflecting on the moment he realised his van was stolen. Following the theft, the van was set ablaze.
Additionally, on the same morning, a trailer was stolen in a nearby incident in Erskine Park, while a taxi was broken into, resulting in a loss of $130 from within. Local resident Kevin Gloster, who has lived in the area for over 41 years, expressed his concern over the recent spate of crimes, highlighting a growing sense of insecurity in the community.
Victim Taylor Petales also experienced a break-in, describing the state of her vehicle, saying, “Everything was ripped out of the glove box and console.” Many of her belongings, including her husband’s wallet and perfume, were taken, leaving her feeling unsettled, especially with her three children at home.
While there have been no reported injuries from these opportunistic crimes, the impact on victims is significant, particularly for those like Rofail, who now find themselves unable to work due to the loss of their tools and transportation. “It’s heartbreaking to work so hard to acquire the things we need for our lives and careers, only to have them stolen and destroyed so quickly,” shared Rofail’s partner.
As law enforcement continues to pursue leads, the community remains on high alert, facing the reality of property crime in their area. The investigation is ongoing, and police are encouraging anyone with information to come forward to assist in tracking down the perpetrators.