VANDALS TURN DREAM HOME INTO NIGHTMARE:
A YOUNG couple’s dream of moving into their new home has become a nightmare after their almost- complete Lara house was burgled twice and flooded in the past fortnight.
The two incidents have left the couple with a hefty damage bill before they have even had the chance to move in.
Much of the damage was to extra features not covered by their builder’s insurance.
They now face weeks of couch- surfing after having given notice to their landlord to move out of their current home in a fortnight, because repairs to their new house are expected to take at least a month.
Jeremy Jenkin and Katrina Holloway said they had put their wedding plans on hold while they coped with the
‘I burst into tears at work when I got the most recent call because it’s been just one problem after another’
stress caused by the vandalism at their new home.
‘‘The house was all but due for handover,’’ Mr Jenkin said. ‘‘The past two Sunday nights the house has been broken into, burgled and vandalised.
‘‘Sunday night last week the splashback and kitchen sink were stolen. This Sunday night just gone, people broke in, blocked the sink in the laundry and turned the taps on, resulting in the home being flooded throughout.
‘‘ Carpets, skirting boards and plasterboard were all damaged, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage.’’
– KATRINA HOLLOWAY
Ms Holloway said she no longer felt safe inside her dream home. The couple has increased security and offered a $2000 reward to help catch those responsible.
‘‘I burst into tears at work when I got the most recent call because it’s been just one problem after another,’’ Ms Holloway said.
‘‘ The custom- made glass splashback stolen was worth more than $1200 alone.
‘‘We just want it to stop. It’s hard enough to get a house.’’
Leading Senior- Constable Shayne McTigue said police were investigating the case, plus about a dozen similar burglaries in Lara recently.
‘‘It all seems to be happening at houses under construction and the thieves are taking fittings, light fixtures and splashbacks and causing malicious damage,’’ he said.
‘‘Owners and builders need to make sure doors and windows are locked, put sheets over windows so people can’t see what’s inside, leave lights on if possible and encourage builders to construct fences as soon as possible.’’
Sen- Constable McTigue said there were frequent patrols of the estate and plainclothes operations in conjunction with Geelong police.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Lara police on 5282 1241 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.