WE’RE all aware of the rise and rise in the number of car thefts.
Often, it’s the result of aggravated burglaries where young joyriders or hardened criminals enter people’s houses at night or in the day (they don’t care which) to steal keys. Sometimes it’s trusting people leaving their cars open, on the nature strip, or in the garage, even with the keys still inside.
But we don’t always hear of the distress it causes the victims.
Janine Luke of Wonthaggi is one of them.
On January 28-29 this year, her pride and joy, and last remaining link with her late husband Peter, their 2016 Holden VF Commodore series two SS was stolen from their back shed.
“They just pushed it out into the lane, started it there and drove off,” Ms Luke said this week.
“Someone apparently saw it in Leongatha and also at BP in Inverloch but that’s the last I heard of it. The police haven’t been able to do much,” she said.
Mrs Luke explained that the thieves jemmied open the roller door to get at the car, but also gained access to an adjoining living room where they found the keys in her handbag and also grabbed a money box filled with coins, estimated at $1000 in saved change.
“There is nothing more I would want than getting the word out and getting my baby back.
“I'm beyond devastated and it's my husband's 2nd year anniversary of his passing tomorrow. I just want my car back.”
If you have any information about Mrs Luke’s stolen SS Commodore, please call police or Crimestoppers on 1300 333 000.
The vehicle holds significant sentimental value after Janine's late husband bought the car for her when he became ill, and she is devastated by the loss.
