Aussie couple's holiday turns into a nightmare: 'Every single room was trashed completely'

Traveling during peak holiday seasons can be an exciting time, but it’s also when certain risks can be at their highest.

For one couple, their Easter getaway turned into a nightmare that no one could have foreseen.

What they thought was a routine holiday ended in a devastating turn of events that highlights an important safety tip every traveller should consider.


A Melbourne couple, Josh and Karen, have shared the harrowing tale of their recent experience with car vandalism while they were away for a brief holiday.

The couple, who had parked their car at Melbourne Airport’s long-term parking as they had done for the last two decades, returned from a three-day trip last month to find their vehicle in disarray.

Josh and Karen were shocked to discover that their car windows had been smashed.


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Melbourne couple’s car vandalised during holiday trip. Image source: 9News


What made matters worse was the discovery of a document with their home address inside the car, which led thieves straight to their empty home on the Morning Peninsula.

'Every single room was trashed completely, every cupboard, every drawer, they left no stone unturned,' Josh shared.

The thieves had ransacked their home, leaving belongings scattered across the rooms.

Among the stolen items were documents, electronics, jewellery, and even guns used for clay shooting.


But the most devastating loss was something sentimental: a notepad containing the final words written by Karen’s late mother.

'When she was in the hospital end of life, that's what I had of her,' Karen said.

In light of their experience, the couple is urging other Aussies to take extra precautions when travelling, particularly with regards to leaving identifying documents in cars.

Josh and Karen were not alone in their misfortune—other vehicles at the airport had also been targeted, with several smashed windows visible in the parking lot that day.

They advised: 'Be sure that you're leaving no evidence of where you live around.’

'Be sure to do your house up as tight as you can,' they added.


The incident is under investigation, with Melbourne Airport collaborating with Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police.

Victoria’s crime rate has seen a worrying surge, with police data indicating a 15 per cent increase in offences last year, reaching over 605,000 crimes.

Neighbourhood Watch also weighed in, stressing the importance of safeguarding one’s home while travelling.


Bambi Gordon, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch, warned that entering a home address into a GPS system could be a dangerous mistake.

'If a crook gets your car, they now know where home is, they know that you're not there and they can use the car to get to your place,' Gordon explained.

The best way to protect yourself, according to Neighbourhood Watch, is to leave spare keys with trusted neighbours.


As you prepare for your next holiday, it’s important to think about how to keep your home safe while you're away.

Watch the video for expert tips on securing your home and ensuring peace of mind during your travels.


Source: Youtube/My Locksmith Miami​


Key Takeaways
  • A Melbourne couple's Easter holiday turned into a nightmare when their car was vandalised at the airport.
  • Thieves used a document found in the car to break into their home, stealing valuable and sentimental items.
  • The couple urged travellers to avoid leaving identifying documents in their cars and to secure their homes.
  • Neighbourhood Watch advised against inputting home addresses into GPS systems to protect against theft.

With so many people travelling over the holiday season, what steps do you take to protect your home and belongings? Share your tips with us in the comments!
 

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I just went in a 10 day break. My son stayed at my home and cared for my animals. I didn’t leave my car at the airport , I got a lift there and back. My son drove my car occasionally whilst I was away. I feel if possible, that this is one of the safer ways to go on holiday.
 
We don`t go on holiday`s anymore, so don`t leave the house for long. We have so many security measures in place to protect us while we are at home. What a way to live, lots of social problems lead to this type of crime, too bad if you`re a victim. I cannot see that his will change if ever!! Meanwhile take every precaution, if you do leave for an extended time or overnight.!
 
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I just went in a 10 day break. My son stayed at my home and cared for my animals. I didn’t leave my car at the airport , I got a lift there and back. My son drove my car occasionally whilst I was away. I feel if possible, that this is one of the safer ways to go on holiday.
Hi Caron,
You did the right thing, luckily for you where you had your son to help out.
Just to prolong a little, there is no way I would leave my car sitting in a long term car park at an airport.
An open target for all sorts of crime to take place.
The couple who had their car trashed & also their home, virtually have their own selves to blame for a fair bit of stupidity on their behalf.
Surly to goodness they could have rewarded a good neighbour to take them to the airport & come & pick them up on their return.
My next door neighbours & us have reciprocated to each other in similar circumstances. This was a saving of a minimum of $160 plus return trips in taxies.
This has worked out well for both families.
 
I always park at a private secure parking facility near the airport. They drop off to the airport and pick up and give my car a good clean while I'm away. And it doesn't cost much more than the long-term park at the airports.
I do this as well. My car is safely locked up and under cover. I am transferred to the airport and just phone when I need to be picked up.
 

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