An alarming increase in the number of homes being searched and cars stolen in Airlie Beach has prompted an urgent warning from police.
Five cars have been stolen, three unlocked homes entered and 14 unlocked vehicles searched in the Airlie Beach area in the past five days.
Two of the cars reported stolen have been recovered in Mackay while another was found in the Whitsundays area when it ran out of fuel.
“It is likely the suspects have come from the Mackay area,” Whitsunday Senior Sergeant Nathan Blain said.
“The offenders are still outstanding, but we are encouraging people to lock up their homes and vehicles to stop these opportunistic offenders.