Thieves removed fly screens from windows to get inside Dandenong homes in two separate burglaries within two days of each other.
Greater Dandenong CIU is investigating the incidents and whether they are linked.
Senior Constable Blake Gilbert said the first occurred in Cleeland Street about 10.45pm on Saturday 20 January.
A man removed a flyscreen on a bedroom window, climbed inside and ransacked the home.
A 38-year-old man who lived at the house disturbed the man, who fled with a Samsung mobile phone.
The witness gave chase but the burglar jumped fences into neighbouring properties to escape.
Sen Const Gilbert said the second aggravated burglary occurred between 1am and 5.30am on Monday 22 January.
He said thieves removed a flyscreen from a kitchen window to enter the Hutton Street home.
Five people were sleep inside, including a 43-year-old man. The burglar stole his black iPhone 7 and his wallet.
The victim contacted his bank to cancel his cards and was told they’d already been used to withdraw $950 from a Dandenong ATM and on several purchases.
The thief spent $7, $54 and $89 at Kmart at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre in Narre Warren about 4am, $84 at the centre’s Coles supermarket, and $84 at the Officeworks.
Sen Const Gilbert said everyone in the house remained asleep during the burglary.
He urged anyone with information on either incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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