Detective Senior Constable Richard Hughes, of the Warrnambool police crime investigation unit, said a white 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser (registration UYU211) was stolen from a property in Warrnambool's Wollaston Road on Tuesday.

"Unknown offenders, or offender, attended the residential area of Wollaston Road between 7pm and 6am and walked down the driveway of a home that backs onto the Merri River," he said.

"They've gone inside the house, stolen the keys and then the car which remains outstanding.

"The villains have gone in whilst the occupants were home and sleeping, leaving them in fear and very shaken up."

The detective said the aggravated burglary occurred at the eastern end of Wollaston Road near Ponting Drive.

"We now have a couple who desperately want their car back," he said.

He urged anyone with information to immediately contact Warrnambool police or Crime Stoppers.

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.