By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
AFTER waking up to the Cranbourne News front page story ‘Lock up your keys’ Dennis and Beryl Hughan realised they had been overnight victims of the brazen car-jacking spree that is rocking Casey.
The retired couple said they ‘didn’t hear a thing.’
“My wife came home at around 10pm and I was up at 8am and noticed that the gates to our carport were open and our beloved Nissan Patrol was gone,” Mr Hughan explained.
The car is suspected to have been stolen while the couple were asleep on Wednesday 5 August.
“We’ve lived in the same property in Cranbourne for 44 years and we’ve never been robbed before,” he said.
The ’98 model Patrol had been kitted out by the couple, who had planned to travel Australia next year.
“We were going to spend our money in Australia.
“We had plans to set off this year but my wife had a major heart attack.
“She got to hospital just in time and I’ve been looking after her and we were ready to go before we get too old,” he said.
The couple had converted the car to gas, installed a CB radio, spotlights and electric brakes for the trip and say they are devastated.
“To think somebody has opened our gates and taken what we’ve worked so hard for is what hurts me the most.
“Now we have to start all over again and will probably have to spend $10,000 on another car,” Mr Hughan said.
With travel plans on hold, Mr Hughan said he’d love to get his car back.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
