A man has been charged over a number of alleged aggravated break and enters - including one which left an elderly man with head injuries - dating back to 2022, in the Illawarra.
About 9.10am on Wednesday 3 September 2025, police were called to a home on Raymond Parade, Towradgi, following reports of a break and enter.
On arrival, officers found that the resident of the home - a 84-year-old woman - was found inside deceased. Investigations are continuing into her cause of death.
Police also found that jewellery and cash was allegedly taken.
Officers attached to Wollongong Police District commenced inquiries under Strike Force Julimar.
DNA was seized from the scene and following inquiries, police will allege the DNA was linked to four break and enters at homes in Towradgi, Bulli and Wollongong, between 2022 and 2025.
Following extensive inquiries, about 8.10am today (Wednesday 11 February 2026), a 49-year-old man was arrested at a home in Wollongong.
Police seized a taser, items of clothing, a motorcycle which police will allege was stolen and a road bike, which police will allege was used during the Towradgi break and enter.
He was charged with nine offences - three counts of aggravated break and enter commit serious indictable offence, break and enter house etc steal value <= $60,000, improperly interfere with corpse or human remains, possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit and goods suspected stolen in/on premises
The man was refused bail and will appear in Bail Division Court 3 tomorrow (Thursday 12 February 2026).
Police will allege in court the man remained in the Towradgi house for seven hours, not rendering assistance to the deceased woman.
Police will also allege, the man was involved in the alleged break and enter of the same home in Owen St, Bulli in August 2022 and June 2023. Police will allege during the first break and enter the resident - an 80-year-old man - suffered head injuries after being struck by a drawer during the break and enter.
Investigations are ongoing.
