Family returns from holiday to find home ransacked—could it happen to you?
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There’s nothing quite like the feeling of coming home after a relaxing holiday—bags in hand, memories made, and ready to settle back into the comfort of your own space. But for one Australian family, that homecoming turned into a nightmare they’ll never forget.
A Shocking Discovery After a Family Holiday
Sanjay ‘Jay’ Kuikel, a junior doctor, and his wife Nilima had recently moved their young family from Darwin to Shepparton, Victoria, seeking a quieter, safer life. After settling into a rental with their three-year-old daughter and one-year-old son, they took a four-week trip back to Nepal to visit family.
But when they returned on a chilly May evening, they opened their front door to a scene straight out of a horror story. Instead of the familiar comfort of home, they found a stranger sitting in their lounge room—smoking marijuana, eating pizza, and watching TV as if he owned the place.
‘He said this was his house and he lives there,’ Sanjay recalled, still shaken by the encounter. Fearing for their safety, the family quickly retreated to a neighbour’s house and called the police.
A Home Ransacked and a Family Traumatised
The police arrived and arrested the man, but the damage had already been done. The Kuikels soon learned that their home had been a revolving door for up to 20 people a day while they were away. Their wardrobes had been emptied, clothes and personal items strewn everywhere, and the house was littered with cigarette butts, alcohol bottles, and even a tub of medicinal cannabis.
The financial loss was staggering—$45,000 worth of belongings gone, including 300 grams of gold jewellery, much of it wedding gifts and family savings. In Nepalese culture, jewellery is not just ornamental but a form of investment and security for the family. ‘That’s all gone,’ Sanjay said.
To make matters worse, the family hadn’t been able to afford contents insurance or a safety deposit box for their valuables, leaving them with little recourse for recovery.
The Emotional Toll: When Home No Longer Feels Safe
Beyond the financial blow, the emotional impact has been profound. Their three-year-old daughter is now afraid a stranger might come into their home, and Sanjay worries about leaving his family alone when he’s on call at the hospital.
Despite the property owner changing the locks, the squatter allegedly returned and changed them again, making it nearly impossible for the Kuikels to retrieve the last of their belongings. The family no longer felt safe and had to move back into temporary hospital accommodation.
What Are Your Rights If Squatters Take Over Your Home?
Unfortunately, stories like this are becoming more common across Australia, with squatters taking advantage of empty homes—especially when owners are away for extended periods. The law can be slow to act, and the process of reclaiming your property can be stressful and drawn out.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here are some steps you can take:
While there’s no foolproof way to prevent break-ins, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
The Bigger Picture: Squatting and the Law in Australia
Squatting is a complex legal issue. In most states, squatters have very few rights, but the process of removing them can still be lengthy. Police can act quickly if there’s evidence of forced entry or criminal activity, but in some cases, property owners may need to go through the courts to regain possession.
Authorities in Victoria have acknowledged the growing problem and say they’re working with residents and community services to address it. But for families like the Kuikels, the experience is a stark reminder of how vulnerable we can be.
A Call for Community Support
The Kuikels have launched a GoFundMe page to help recover from their losses and get back on their feet. ‘Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us take a step toward rebuilding and healing,’ Sanjay said.
Have You Ever Had a Close Call with Squatters or a Break-In?
We know many of our members travel regularly—whether it’s to visit family, take a well-earned holiday, or just get away for a while. Have you ever returned home to an unpleasant surprise? What steps do you take to keep your home safe while you’re away? Share your stories and tips in the comments below—your advice could help another member avoid a similar ordeal.
And if you’d like to support the Kuikel family, you can find their GoFundMe page online.
Stay safe, everyone—and remember, a little preparation can go a long way in protecting your home and your peace of mind.
A Shocking Discovery After a Family Holiday
Sanjay ‘Jay’ Kuikel, a junior doctor, and his wife Nilima had recently moved their young family from Darwin to Shepparton, Victoria, seeking a quieter, safer life. After settling into a rental with their three-year-old daughter and one-year-old son, they took a four-week trip back to Nepal to visit family.
But when they returned on a chilly May evening, they opened their front door to a scene straight out of a horror story. Instead of the familiar comfort of home, they found a stranger sitting in their lounge room—smoking marijuana, eating pizza, and watching TV as if he owned the place.
Sanjay Kuikel is a licensed physician based in Victoria. Image Credit: GoFundME
‘He said this was his house and he lives there,’ Sanjay recalled, still shaken by the encounter. Fearing for their safety, the family quickly retreated to a neighbour’s house and called the police.
A Home Ransacked and a Family Traumatised
The police arrived and arrested the man, but the damage had already been done. The Kuikels soon learned that their home had been a revolving door for up to 20 people a day while they were away. Their wardrobes had been emptied, clothes and personal items strewn everywhere, and the house was littered with cigarette butts, alcohol bottles, and even a tub of medicinal cannabis.
The financial loss was staggering—$45,000 worth of belongings gone, including 300 grams of gold jewellery, much of it wedding gifts and family savings. In Nepalese culture, jewellery is not just ornamental but a form of investment and security for the family. ‘That’s all gone,’ Sanjay said.
To make matters worse, the family hadn’t been able to afford contents insurance or a safety deposit box for their valuables, leaving them with little recourse for recovery.
The Emotional Toll: When Home No Longer Feels Safe
Beyond the financial blow, the emotional impact has been profound. Their three-year-old daughter is now afraid a stranger might come into their home, and Sanjay worries about leaving his family alone when he’s on call at the hospital.
Despite the property owner changing the locks, the squatter allegedly returned and changed them again, making it nearly impossible for the Kuikels to retrieve the last of their belongings. The family no longer felt safe and had to move back into temporary hospital accommodation.
What Are Your Rights If Squatters Take Over Your Home?
Unfortunately, stories like this are becoming more common across Australia, with squatters taking advantage of empty homes—especially when owners are away for extended periods. The law can be slow to act, and the process of reclaiming your property can be stressful and drawn out.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here are some steps you can take:
- Contact the Police Immediately: If you discover someone in your home, do not confront them. Call the police and wait for them to arrive.
- Document Everything: Take photos and videos of any damage or evidence of squatting. This will help with police reports and insurance claims.
- Notify Your Landlord or Property Manager: If you’re renting, inform your landlord as soon as possible. They may need to take legal action to evict the squatters.
- Change the Locks: Once the property is secure, change all locks and consider upgrading your security system.
- Seek Support: The emotional toll can be significant. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or professional support services.
While there’s no foolproof way to prevent break-ins, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Ask a Trusted Friend or Neighbour to Check In: Regular visits can deter would-be squatters.
- Install Security Cameras and Alarms: Visible security measures can be a strong deterrent.
- Don’t Advertise Your Absence: Be cautious about sharing holiday plans on social media.
- Consider Contents Insurance: Even if it feels expensive, it can be a lifesaver in situations like this.
- Store Valuables Securely: If possible, use a safety deposit box for jewellery and important documents.
The Bigger Picture: Squatting and the Law in Australia
Squatting is a complex legal issue. In most states, squatters have very few rights, but the process of removing them can still be lengthy. Police can act quickly if there’s evidence of forced entry or criminal activity, but in some cases, property owners may need to go through the courts to regain possession.
Authorities in Victoria have acknowledged the growing problem and say they’re working with residents and community services to address it. But for families like the Kuikels, the experience is a stark reminder of how vulnerable we can be.
A Call for Community Support
The Kuikels have launched a GoFundMe page to help recover from their losses and get back on their feet. ‘Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us take a step toward rebuilding and healing,’ Sanjay said.
Have You Ever Had a Close Call with Squatters or a Break-In?
We know many of our members travel regularly—whether it’s to visit family, take a well-earned holiday, or just get away for a while. Have you ever returned home to an unpleasant surprise? What steps do you take to keep your home safe while you’re away? Share your stories and tips in the comments below—your advice could help another member avoid a similar ordeal.
And if you’d like to support the Kuikel family, you can find their GoFundMe page online.
