Police are cracking down on a number of groups of offenders who are wreaking havoc across Ballarat – stealing and torching cars.
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Inspector Bruce Thomas said police remain deeply concerned by the sheer number of cars being stolen, used to commit other crimes and then burnt out – some times less than an hour after the initial theft.
The rate of arson has jumped dramatically – with cars now being torched in broad daylight. The Browne family fell victim to such thieves over the festive period.
Their Boxing Day brunch was destroyed by brazen thieves who ransacked a Cardigan property, stealing presents and a car which they set on fire 15 minutes later.
Hannah Moroney, Michelle and Bernadette Browne and Mollie Browne left Mr and Mrs Browne’s Cardigan home at 9am on Boxing day for brunch.
An hour-and-a-half later their car was gone and the house was trashed.
“My dad walked out to the shed and heard people run out the other end,” Ms Moroney said.
The family believe Mr Browne disturbed thieves who promptly left.
“The thing that really upset me was coming home and seeing mum and dad find their entire lives trashed all over the floor,” Ms Moroney said.
“Christmas presents were stolen – we all worked and saved up for them and bought things that were meaningful. And now people have come and taken everything away.
The offenders had taken Acer and Lenovo laptops, iPads with photographs of weddings, a handbag, jewellery, watches, a camera and multiple phones as well as a stash of Christmas vouchers.
Ms Browne’s laptop with her Bachelor of Music assignments was also stolen.
“All my assignments are gone – who else would have use for them?” Ms Browne said.
Ms Moroney said the car, a Daihatsu was the family’s second car – but had recently been purchased as a work vehicle.
“They had the car for 10 minutes and they set it on fire,” Ms Moroney said. “The day before we were all sitting there having Christmas lunch, enjoying ourselves. Then, we came home to find the house trashed.”
Mr Browne is urging residents to record the VIN numbers on their electronic items to insure they can claim stolen insured items. “The impact is far-reaching,” he said.
They had the car for 10 minutes and they set it on fire.
- Hannah Moroney