BY TYLER FARDELL
The victim of a break-in last Friday in Newcastle East has encouraged other residents to be vigilant and no to let it happen to them.
The 21 year old awoke to the shock of her life when a stranger was standing on her bed at around 1 am.
The intruder fled the scene after the victim woke up and began screaming, taking a handbag with him.
The encounter has thrown a spotlight on community concern about security in the normally quiet beachside suburb.
Chief inspector at Waratah Police station, Gerard Patrick Lawson, has encouraged residents to take safety into their own hands.
"It's important to ensure all doors and windows are locked when you go to bed. If you have to leave one open during the warmer summer months it's at your own risk".
"You can however install a locking device which lets you open windows and doors a little bit during those hot summer nights".
