Two teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of looting homes in a South Coast town as residents prepared to evacuate before the Currowan fire front potentially hit.
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Police were called after reports two young men were driving around streets and acting suspiciously in Bangalee on Saturday afternoon.
Residents on Arwon Close and Lincorn Avenue noticed the men lingering around homes.
Amy Loveday, was out the clearing the front yard and packing the car in preparation of the fire approaching the town.
"We saw a car drive past and thought it didn't look like it was from this area. It was suspicious," she said.
"It drove down the end of a street and came back around. A couple of minutes later, a neighbour came up to us asking about the suspicious car.
"At the same time, firefighters were giving us advise.
"With everything that was happening, the last thing we thought about was getting a number plate.
"But we put a post up on Facebook and within about 20 minutes there was 280 shares and that really helped."
Residents called police who arrived shortly after.
"We found out the guys names and reported them to police," Ms Loveday said.
"Police came, got the details off us and were going to go back into North Nowra where the teens were last seen, when the next thing you know, they guys walked right behind the police car."
Officers from the public order and riot squad arrested at the scene about 5.30pm.
"It was quite satisfying to see that our actions had saved people from potentially have their belongings stolen," Ms Loveday said.
She said neighbours reported seeing the teens jump over a fence.
"We are not sure if anything has been stolen or if they were scared off," she said.
Resident Mitchell Bernhardt said he could not fathom how someone could want to loot from people who had to flee their homes.
"It is really disappointing to think people would go to those lengths, to loot, in the these times," he said.
"But there are all sorts of people out there. Luckily they got caught today."
Police inquires are continuing.
Meanwhile, NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys issued a warning on Saturday following reported break-ins and stealing offences within bushfire-affected areas.
The State Emergency Operations Controller said plain-clothes police were already patrolling those areas - and they had aerial surveillance support.
"Police and emergency services are at the ready to prevent loss of life, livestock and property, and I am disgusted that anyone would target these vulnerable communities at this time," Deputy Commissioner Worboys said.
"People in these areas have already lost members of their communities, seen property destroyed and suffered emotional turmoil from the recent fire activity, they do not need the added stress of looters stealing what little they might have left.
"Local police numbers are being bolstered by officers from specialist commands to ensure regular patrols are conducted throughout the bushfire-affected areas.
"With thousands of lives and homes at risk today, I can't comprehend the type of person who'd think it's okay to try and profit or benefit at other people's expense.
"Any reports of criminal acts will be thoroughly investigated. This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated by police or the wider community, and police will take immediate action to put these people before the courts.
Deputy Commissioner Worboys reminded the community not to return to these areas until emergency services have declared it safe to do so.
"At this time, unless you have a legitimate reason to be in a fire-affected area, don't go in there," he said.
"We're also urging members of the community to be vigilant and report crime appropriately.
"Anyone who sees a crime being committed - or in other emergencies - call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
"However, if it's not urgent, contact the Police Assistance Line 131 444 or your local police station.
"If you are concerned or believe you have witnessed suspicious activity, then it's best to contact Crime Stoppers."