A Victorian couple, Josh and Karen, have issued a warning to holidaymakers using Melbourne Airport’s long-term parking after experiencing a distressing break-in. The couple parked their vehicle for three days during a recent getaway, a location they had trusted for 25 years. Upon returning, they discovered their car, along with others, had been vandalised, with windows smashed to facilitate theft.
Their ordeal worsened when they arrived home to find their Mornington Peninsula home had been ransacked. Believing the thieves may have obtained their address from documents left in the vehicle, they found that every room had been thoroughly searched. The intruders stole a variety of items, including jewellery, personal documents, medical files, electronics, and even a treasured notepad containing their late mother’s last words.
The couple recounted their shock, with Josh noting that every cupboard and drawer had been rifled through. Among the stolen items were keys to a cabinet containing their clay shooting guns, raising concerns about the potential misuse of their belongings. Feeling unsafe in their own home, they expressed how the violation left them anxious.
Melbourne Airport has stated that it is investigating the incident and cooperating with local police. In light of their experience, Josh and Karen are urging others to be vigilant when leaving their vehicles. They advise travellers to remove any identifying documents from their cars and to photograph valuables for insurance purposes.
Additionally, they emphasised the importance of securing homes and advised that GPS devices should not contain home addresses, as this could endanger security if a car is stolen. Neighbourhood Watch chief executive Bambi Gordon echoed this sentiment, recommending that spare keys be kept with trusted neighbours to enhance safety.
As Melbourne Airport anticipates a surge in travellers, with around 117,000 expected on one of the busiest days of the year, Josh and Karen’s story serves as a cautionary tale for holidaymakers to take precautions to prevent similar incidents.