In a shocking incident that has left many outraged, a group of young thieves broke into an elderly man's home in regional New South Wales, stealing his car keys while he slept just centimetres away.

The audacious act, captured on video by the perpetrators themselves, has sparked a heated debate about the rising tide of youth crime in the state.

The chilling video began with at least two boys entering the man's home.

As they stealthily navigated the hallway towards the bedroom, the person filming the act turned the camera on himself to brazenly flip off the viewers.

A group of young thieves broke into an elderly man’s home, stealing his car keys. Credit: Freepik

The pair then nonchalantly approached the elderly man's bedside table, snatched his car keys, and rummaged through his walker for valuables.

A second video reportedly shows the group inside a car, brandishing a crowbar.

Radio host Ben Fordham, who aired the video on his 2GB show, lambasted the thieves as 'gutless'.

‘They're not ashamed of themselves. They filmed the videos themselves, they've shared them on social media and even added in the music,’ he said.

'They film videos, then they dump the stolen cars.’

'They're breaking into homes while elderly people are asleep and while children are asleep.’

He called on NSW Premier Chris Minns to take a stronger stance against youth crime.

‘Malicious damage to property is 93 per cent higher in the bush. Motor theft is 100 per cent higher. This is compared to Sydney,' he said.

'But if it's in the bush, it's out of sight, out of mind.’

'The system has decided it's best not to lock these people up, so they run amok every night.'

Fordham said residents in the NSW town Moree are ‘installing CCTV cameras for the first time’ and ‘sleeping with baseball bats and golf clubs’ following a series of break-ins.

A resident wrote to 2GB, saying, ‘Chris Minns, come here and see what's going on. I feel like we're forgotten.’

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole has been vocal in his criticism of the Minns Labor Government's handling of the crime wave.

‘Unfortunately, I am not surprised that this is where we are at. Law and order requires constant focus otherwise, you end up with these home invasions, street shootings and kids walking past murder scenes on the way to school,' he said.

'[Minister for Police] Yasmin Catley is out of her depth and has been repeatedly missing in action. As a result, crime is now out of control.’

'Police are doing all they can, but they have no support behind them. The Minister is silent when it comes to providing extra resources, and the officers are left working endless amounts of overtime to the point of burnout,’ he added.

Toole believed an inquiry would expose the justice system's shortcomings in dealing with young repeat offenders.

‘Families in regional communities are terrified each night that they will wake up to someone in their home stealing their belongings or worse,' he said.

'There is nowhere to go, we are now at the point where not even your own home or hotel room is safe.’

'Yasmin Catley can no longer bury her head in the sand. It's out of control, and our police and communities deserve real action immediately.’

You can watch the video below:

Credit: Ben Fordham / Facebook​

Incidents like these have raised concerns about youth crime in the country.

In a similar story, a woman returned home from her routine dog walk when she noticed three children were following her.

After a while, she was left in shock over something the children allegedly did. You can read more about what happened here.

Key Takeaways

• A group of young thieves filmed themselves stealing car keys from an elderly man as he slept in his home in regional NSW.
• The video, which sparked outrage, showed the thieves entering the man's house, approaching his bedside table, and taking his car keys, as well as checking his walker for valuables.
• 2GB host Ben Fordham criticised the theft and called on NSW Premier Chris Minns to address the rise in youth crime in regional areas.
• Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole urged the Minns Labor Government to support an inquiry into regional crime, highlighting the fear among families and the need for immediate action to address the issue of young repeat offenders.

Have you or someone you know been a victim of such a crime? Share your experiences in the comments below.

 

[elaine41]

I predicted 20-30 years ago when we stopped disciplining our children that this would be the ultimate outcome. There is an old proverb which says "Spare the rod, spoil the child" & that is exactly what we have done. This nonsense that hitting a child is child abuse is ridiculous. I say, not hitting/disciplining a child is child abuse as they have no way of learning where the parameters are for their behaviour. They must learn the guidelines for what is acceptable in society so that they do not end up in the prison system before they have even reached adulthood.

 

[marni]

These incidents are impacting tourism to the area. No caravan club stays there. Even truckies get on the CB and warn others not to sleep in the area. It’s time to stop thinking they are too young to get a taste of what’s in their future once they turn 18. We know which culture is frequently involved - then they ask why there is a discrepancy in percentage in jail. Duh

 

[Clancieblue]

I never smacked or hit my children, they were taught manners and respect from early age.
They are all well-adjusted, hardworking people. Mobile phones are a curse for young people allowing too much contact at incorrect times e.g., during school or at bedtime.

 

[Ronloby]

What do we do about this problem??? Well, I say "JUST LOOK THEM ALL UP REGARDLESS OF AGE OR SEX". This is the only way to convince them that what they are doing is wrong. I know this is harsh treatment but, what other treatment would help?

 

[LeahI]

I predicted 20-30 years ago when we stopped disciplining our children that this would be the ultimate outcome. There is an old proverb which says "Spare the rod, spoil the child" & that is exactly what we have done. This nonsense that hitting a child is child abuse is ridiculous. I say, not hitting/disciplining a child is child abuse as they have no way of learning where the parameters are for their behaviour. They must learn the guidelines for what is acceptable in society so that they do not end up in the prison system before they have even reached adulthood.

Trouble is they don't end up in the prison system. It's the judges duty now to give them a slap on the wrist.

 

[LeahI]

These incidents are impacting tourism to the area. No caravan club stays there. Even truckies get on the CB and warn others not to sleep in the area. It’s time to stop thinking they are too young to get a taste of what’s in their future once they turn 18. We know which culture is frequently involved - then they ask why there is a discrepancy in percentage in jail. Duh

Where is the respect so often spoken of?

 

[NotNats]

Like I always have said "if a so called child does an adult crime, then they should be tried as an adult" with NO excuses. It's about time we stopped namby pambing these little brats.

 

[Shirley Broomhall]

I predicted 20-30 years ago when we stopped disciplining our children that this would be the ultimate outcome. There is an old proverb which says "Spare the rod, spoil the child" & that is exactly what we have done. This nonsense that hitting a child is child abuse is ridiculous. I say, not hitting/disciplining a child is child abuse as they have no way of learning where the parameters are for their behaviour. They must learn the guidelines for what is acceptable in society so that they do not end up in the prison system before they have even reached adulthood.

Using physical force to discipline a child IS child abuse, and a cowardly act on a defenceless child. If a child is attacking others at kindergarten, primary, or senior school, the authorities contact the parents, and clearly inform them, that hitting, biting, kicking, hair pulling, or any other physical violence in not tolerated. Yet, that child has been physically ' disciplined in their own environment. ' Do as I say, not as I do'?' I never hit my three children. If they misbehaved, they knew what the consequences were. Loss of certain privileges. Not watching their favourite programme on television, no contact with their friends, time out.... where they sit and reflect on if it's worth missing their favourite pastimes. They weren't allowed a book to read, or anything to distract them from why they were being held to account for their behaviour. No going to the cinema, the park, swimming, and not getting the treats the rest of the family were enjoying. I taught them from an early age, and by aged three, my example, and their older brother and sister's, clearly indicated what was expected of them. To say, 'don't hit', then hit them is ludicrous. Teach by example, not by using physical force, which teaches them that violence will solve any problems they encounter. It's called ' Parenting'. Yes, it's time consuming, frustrating, and arduous. What do I have to show for my years of child rearing? Three exceptional human beings, compassionate, and non violent. My eldest, a master builder, my youngest, a respected forensic psychologist. Obviously, my hard work paid off. Did I make mistakes? Of course, I'm human and not infallible. Did they hold me to account? Yes, I didn't believe in....' it's alright for me to behave like this, you certainly mustn't. ' To prove my point, watch my son, Luke, on the YouTube, Ted programme, ' How Do We Protect Our Children ', and ' Raising The Bar '.

 

[NotNats]

I never smacked or hit my children, they were taught manners and respect from early age.
They are all well-adjusted, hardworking people. Mobile phones are a curse for young people allowing too much contact at incorrect times e.g., during school or at bedtime.

then you were a very lucky one. But then again you were never with your children 24hrs a day

 

[Jennie]

Prison is the only way these thugs might learn how to behave. A Slap on the wrist and community service is no deterrent to them. Build more jails so there is room for them.

 

[David567]

Put the bastards into boot camps or the army. They will soon find out how tuff they really are. Add punishment to the the pathetic parents for not controlling them.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I think social media is to blame and it's got totally out of control.
It's all about posting and getting likes. I'm guessing in the country people don't have as much to photograph.

As I've said before there should be tougher penalties and more severe punishment

 

[Reet]

There are too many children under 13 years of age getting away with crimes such as this and they do these things because there is no law to punish them. Even their parents cannot be punished for the children committing crimes. The Law needs to be changed so that the children and their parents are held responsible and the victims are compensated.

 

[Ashmenou]

Using physical force to discipline a child IS child abuse, and a cowardly act on a defenceless child. If a child is attacking others at kindergarten, primary, or senior school, the authorities contact the parents, and clearly inform them, that hitting, biting, kicking, hair pulling, or any other physical violence in not tolerated. Yet, that child has been physically ' disciplined in their own environment. ' Do as I say, not as I do'?' I never hit my three children. If they misbehaved, they knew what the consequences were. Loss of certain privileges. Not watching their favourite programme on television, no contact with their friends, time out.... where they sit and reflect on if it's worth missing their favourite pastimes. They weren't allowed a book to read, or anything to distract them from why they were being held to account for their behaviour. No going to the cinema, the park, swimming, and not getting the treats the rest of the family were enjoying. I taught them from an early age, and by aged three, my example, and their older brother and sister's, clearly indicated what was expected of them. To say, 'don't hit', then hit them is ludicrous. Teach by example, not by using physical force, which teaches them that violence will solve any problems they encounter. It's called ' Parenting'. Yes, it's time consuming, frustrating, and arduous. What do I have to show for my years of child rearing? Three exceptional human beings, compassionate, and non violent. My eldest, a master builder, my youngest, a respected forensic psychologist. Obviously, my hard work paid off. Did I make mistakes? Of course, I'm human and not infallible. Did they hold me to account? Yes, I didn't believe in....' it's alright for me to behave like this, you certainly mustn't. ' To prove my point, watch my son, Luke, on the YouTube, Ted programme,

Hear, hear! Well said

 

[Rob44]

These incidents are impacting tourism to the area. No caravan club stays there. Even truckies get on the CB and warn others not to sleep in the area. It’s time to stop thinking they are too young to get a taste of what’s in their future once they turn 18. We know which culture is frequently involved - then they ask why there is a discrepancy in percentage in jail. Duh

18? In most indigenous societies kids are seen as adults at around 14-15 years old, as physically that is when they can start reproducing and that is why such societies carry out initiation ceremonies at age 14. Those ceremonies denote that the young adult now has responsibilities to their community and woe betide them if they fail to live up to their responsibilities. In the Royal Navy of the late 1700s early 1800s kids of age 12-13 could sign up is Midshipmen, junior officers, with the authority to have an experienced seaman flogged.

This restriction of age of responsibility to until 18 years old is absolute nonsense. At between 16 and 18 years of age young adult males are in almost peak condition physically and reproductively. However, they still lack experience and wisdom, which is what our elderly have gained and which our society neglects.

 

[Rob44]

I predicted 20-30 years ago when we stopped disciplining our children that this would be the ultimate outcome. There is an old proverb which says "Spare the rod, spoil the child" & that is exactly what we have done. This nonsense that hitting a child is child abuse is ridiculous. I say, not hitting/disciplining a child is child abuse as they have no way of learning where the parameters are for their behaviour. They must learn the guidelines for what is acceptable in society so that they do not end up in the prison system before they have even reached adulthood.

A slap on the bum at the early age of around 4 draws that line that kids should not cross and that line needs to be enforced one way or the other until the child leaves home. A slap on the bum is not a savage beating although these days even simply touching a child can get an adult male locked up for sexual abuse.

 

[Bridgit]

I predicted 20-30 years ago when we stopped disciplining our children that this would be the ultimate outcome. There is an old proverb which says "Spare the rod, spoil the child" & that is exactly what we have done. This nonsense that hitting a child is child abuse is ridiculous. I say, not hitting/disciplining a child is child abuse as they have no way of learning where the parameters are for their behaviour. They must learn the guidelines for what is acceptable in society so that they do not end up in the prison system before they have even reached adulthood.

Agree totally - when this came in my girls were 15yr and 13yr olds. I had many run in with the "counselor" at their school to the extent I packed a bag for my oldest and took it to the school and told her "if you don't like how I discipline my daughters then you can take this one home with you and be responsible for her" I grounded her until she turned 17 - the only place she could go was school without me - her father and his family told me I was a bitch and I couldn't do that - so I told them the same as the counselor. Upshot of my decision was 2 daughters who did not get involved with drugs, didn't end up pregnant, didn't get in with the wrong crowd, didn't break the law and thanked me in their mid 20's for caring enough to see that they knew right from wrong and teaching them better values and respect - needless to say I was bloody proud of them!

 

[Bridgit]

Put the bastards into boot camps or the army. They will soon find out how tuff they really are. Add punishment to the the pathetic parents for not controlling them.

The parents should go into boot camp with them!

 

[LeahI]

I think social media is to blame and it's got totally out of control.
It's all about posting and getting likes. I'm guessing in the country people don't have as much to photograph.

As I've said before there should be tougher penalties and more severe punishment

What a close-minded and dismissive comment!

"I'm guessing in the country people don't have as much to photograph."

As if this is a rural problem. Wake up to yourself it's literally everywhere.