Thieves stole two cars from a home in the Ballina Shire suburb of Skennars Head while the occupants slept.
A black Jeep Cherokee and a white Genesis were taken from the Killarney Crescent property overnight.
Police have since confirmed the Genesis has been recovered in Casino, but the Jeep remains missing.
A neighbour told The Coast Report the residents woke to find doors open and discovered money and fruit had also been stolen.
They were unharmed and relieved to be safe, she said.
The neighbour also noticed tyre marks across the nearby reserve during her morning walk and thought they were unusual. The reserve leads to Coast Road.
Police said the home was broken into between 10pm Thursday and 5.45am Friday.
Officers from Richmond Police District were called about 6am and established a crime scene as investigations began.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Ballina Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
FOLLOW “THE COAST REPORT” ON FACEBOOK FOR LATEST UPDATES ON THIS STORY