The brother of the victim said he believed she had been targeted due to her age and hearing difficulties.

She only realised intruders had been in her house when she woke up and saw the items missing.

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“She does have a hearing problem and she takes her hearing aids out at night, so she had no idea,” the brother said.

“We’ve become complacent – you become rather blase about it, like ‘not me’ and then it happens.”

​Inspector Michael Wurth of Gunnedah police said the thieves had taken a number of expensive items.

“Entry was gained to the house during which an airconditioner, a TV, an iPad, a laptop and a mobile phone were all stolen,” Inspector Wurth said.

“The properties weren’t noticed stolen until about 7am the next morning.”

Inspector Wurth and the victim’s brother are reminding residents to be wary of potential thieves, and to ensure everything is locked and secured when leaving the house or before going to bed.

“We’re trying to make people aware of what’s going on, where it’s going on and what they can do to safeguard themselves,” Inspector Wurth said.

“Lock things away and make sure your houses are locked up.”

He also said car theft had been a problem in the past, but there were some easy solutions to ensure this did not happen.

“There’s some suggestions that people aren’t locking their cars and leaving keys in cars, which is an ongoing problem.”

To report something suspicious, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Gunnedah Police Station on 6742 9099.

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