By Brendan Rees
A Cranbourne East man whose car was stolen from his garage while he and his family were asleep has told of his relief after it was recently recovered.
But his wife’s beloved car – a VW Beetle Herbie replica – which was also stolen during the aggravated burglary has yet to be found.
The intruders, who broke into their home by entering a large pet door, grabbed the two sets of car keys from the kitchen bench and made off with both cars on Friday 14 September – while the couple and their two-year old son were sleeping at 1am.
Boris Siguenza said he was surprised their two family dogs inside their Baranello Crescent home at the time were not woken.
“Unfortunately we weren’t savvy enough to know the keys should be in the bedroom or hidden away,” he said.
“I left my set of keys on the kitchen bench – they quickly grabbed the kitchen bench keys and rolled both cars out.”
A bag of baby clothes, including their son’s favourite shoes were among the items also taken.
However, Mr Siguenza said his car – a Holden Colorado ute was recovered on Tuesday 9 October thanks to a Tow truck driver who was “waiting for a job” in Blackburn.
“He saw that the number plates didn’t match at the front or the back so he ran it through registration through the VicRoads (database online),” Mr Siguenza said.
“It didn’t match so he towed it… as it turned out the ute was stolen and the police contacted me.
According to Mr Siquenza, the tow truck driver saw two people exit the car and waited for them to leave.“Thanks to him we got the ute back. It was random but it was good.”
Police have confirmed the car was recovered however no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.
The VW Beetle with registration plates HER81E is still missing.
Mr Siguenza said it was lucky the ute wasn’t “trashed” or “burned”.
“Few bumps; nothing major, getting fixed now,” he said.
“I can confirm they did (police) found drug paraphernalia in there,” in what he described to “look like ice and marijuana.
“Cars can be replaced, the violation of the safety of my family can’t,” he added.
Figures from the Crime Statistics Agency show there were 1,586 incidents of burglaries in Casey ending in the year of June.
Police have released photographs of the vehicle in the hope that someone spots the vehicle or can provide information about the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Senior Constable Budge on 9705 3114.
Alternatively you can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au and quote incident number 180311951.
