Aggravated burglary, car thefts traumatise victims in Warrnambool

Police are seeking information on two aggravated burglaries on Saturday evening, which are believed to be linked.

Senior Constable Ashlea Witham said about 6.20pm an unknown offender entered a Hoki Street address near Gateway Plaza where a 76-year-old female was home alone.

“The male has entered from the backyard with a pitch fork from the lady’s own garden shed,” she said.

“He has demanded her car keys. She went to move and he held the pitch fork towards her face in a threatening manner. She has then complied with his request and given him the keys. The offender then left with her car from the garage. It’s believed the male has driven the car a short distance to Rogers Road, off Horne Road, where three tyres have blown out.”

The man was not able to continue driving the car so dumped it. Police believe the same man then attended a nearby property in Horne Road where a 64-year-old woman was home alone.

“He demanded keys for the vehicle,” Senior Constable Witham said. “The offender has stolen her car and that car is still outstanding. It's a white Hyundai i30 with registration 1KI-9PZ.” 

She urged people to keep a lookout for the car, and if they had CCTV or dashcam footage around the time of the incident in the area to contact Warrnambool police or Crime Stoppers. 

The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, said she was grateful she was not hurt during the ordeal.

“I'm just grateful because he could have stabbed me,” she said.

“He said he was on ice, but wasn’t going to hurt me, but that doesn't help. I thought to myself I would just do what he wanted and not aggravate him.” 

She said the vehicle was more than just a car to her. 

“It was the last car my husband bought me before he died,” she said. “It has sentimental value.”