Can there be anything more frightening than waking up to discover men wearing balaclavas trying to break-in to your house?

It sounds like something from a TV show – not the quiet, peaceful city suburb of St Peter’s.

Yet this is the scene described by a shocked couple who woke up to just such a sight.

Jacob Thompson believes the men may have wanted to steal his car keys and said he and his fiancee were able to scare them away before they were able to take anything.

While they may not have lost any of their belongings, can the same be said for their peace of mind?

Police have launched an investigation but, in the words of Detective Chief Inspector Ian Wall, “Being broken into is absolutely devastating and can have a long lasting impact on victims.”

This was a near miss but it must feel very frightening.

And it won’t just affect the victims either - but will also have a wider impact on neighbours and those who have chosen to live in St Peter’s just because of its reputation as a safe and welcoming place to live.