In a stark warning to holidaymakers, a Melbourne couple has shared their terrifying experience after their home was ransacked while they were away—due to one simple but costly mistake at the airport.
Josh and Karen, longtime travellers who have parked at Melbourne Airport’s long-term facility for over 20 years, returned from a three-day Easter holiday to find their car window smashed. Thieves discovered a document containing their home address inside the vehicle, leading them straight to the couple’s unattended Mornington Peninsula home.
“Every single room was trashed completely—every cupboard, every drawer. They left no stone unturned,” Josh told 9News. The burglary resulted in the loss of electronics, jewellery, and official documents, but most heartbreaking was the theft of a sentimental notepad containing Karen’s late mother’s final written words.
“When she was in the hospital, end of life, that’s what I had of her,” Karen said, visibly shaken.
The couple now wants to raise awareness among other travellers, particularly during holiday periods when home burglaries spike.
“Be sure that you're leaving no evidence of where you live around,” Josh warned. “And make sure your house is as secure as possible before leaving.”
Multiple vehicles were reportedly targeted at the airport on the same day, with numerous cases of smashed windows. Melbourne Airport has confirmed it is cooperating with Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police in the ongoing investigation.
Travellers are advised not to leave documents with personal or identifying information in vehicles and to take added security precautions when leaving homes vacant during trips.
Key Advice for Travellers:
Never leave documents with your address inside your car.
Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles at airport car parks.
Secure your home with visible security measures and ask neighbours to keep an eye out.
Consider using home monitoring or smart alarm systems while away.
With the Easter holiday travel rush continuing, this sobering incident serves as a reminder to stay alert and take every precaution to protect your property.
