Last night, police in Melbourne’s south-east responded to a report of a suspected burglary at a home on Peppercorn Place, Yarra Junction. The resident, alarmed by noises resembling an intruder, awaited law enforcement, anticipating the apprehension of a thief. However, upon arrival, officers were greeted not by a burglar, but by an unexpected guest—a koala nestled comfortably in a dog bed.
Around 11.30 PM, the officers were astonished to find the fluffy marsupial rather than a criminal. An officer recounted the peculiar event to 3AW, indicating their surprise that instead of a fleeing suspect, they encountered the koala, which appeared to be the source of the disturbances. The police conducted a brief search to clarify the situation, confirming that this was indeed the “crook” they had been seeking.
The koala exhibited no signs of stress, simply climbed over a fence and sauntered away from the scene without a care in the world. Meanwhile, Coco, the resident’s dog, who had been barking in warning of the supposed break-in, seemed unfazed by the bizarre turn of events.
This amusing incident highlights the sometimes unpredictable interactions between wildlife and urban living, showcasing an extraordinary encounter that turned a potential crisis into a lighthearted story.