She said she wanted people to consider the hidden value of other people’s possessions. 

“I hope they spare a thought because they don’t know what they’re taking.  

“They don’t understand the stories behind people’s possessions, they don’t understand it might be some CDs but to me they’re everything.

“Just bring it back, put it somewhere, don’t care.”

Ms Haigh is not alone; as theft has spiked in Ballarat, numerous victims of crime have come forward to tell how what might seem from the outside like a petty crime has impacted their lives.

A family of five became housebound after their car was stolen with car seats and pram inside.

Another family lost $15000 worth of presents when their car was stolen.

Sightings of Ms Haigh’s car – a black Subaru Impreza hatchback, registration 1FA 4QK – can be reported to Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.