Support Family’s Recovery from Carjacking

On Thursday 3 April at 5:30pm, Anna and Chris were at home with their 6-month-old son and Anna’s elderly grandmother when two people trespassed on their family’s property and stole their car. The two trespassers came up the family’s driveway demanding a ride from Anna and Chris, warning them not to call police. In threatening the couple, the male trespasser lifted his shirt to reveal what appeared to be a gun underneath his clothing. Fearing for his family’s safety, Chris handed over the keys to his Ford Fairmont and watched as the carjackers drove off with it before immediately calling the police.

The police promptly responded by opening up an investigation that ultimately became a 12-hour police chase in Melbourne’s south-east. Both carjackers were eventually intercepted by police and have since been charged with multiple offences. The following video from 7 News provides more information on the story:

Luckily, Anna, Chris and their family were not physically harmed in this ordeal, but the mental trauma and financial blow of losing the car are things that they are now trying to process. The car did not survive being intercepted by police, and between the smashed bumpers, shattered windscreen and bullet holes, it is a complete write-off. Unfortunately, as the insurance did not cover theft, the family cannot receive any compensation for the loss of their vehicle. The car had been Chris’s work vehicle that he had used to get around and store his tools, so its loss has added extra stress around his work. In addition, the family’s front fence was damaged as the carjackers backed out of their driveway, and the family were responsible for paying towing and storing fees while the car was being investigated. The whole situation also prevented Chris from attending work and earning his wage the day after the car was stolen.

As this has been such a difficult time for the family, I am reaching out on their behalf to seek support for their financial recovery; I am a friend of the couple, and all funds raised will go towards them. Anna and Chris are aged in their early 20s, supporting themselves and their infant son on a single income, as well as Anna being a carer for her elderly grandmother. Any contribution at all, big or small, would go a long way to help them recover the losses that this incident has dealt them, and hopefully will assist them in eventually being able to purchase a new car and repair the damaged fence.

If you are able to donate, it is immensely appreciated, and Anna and Chris express their deepest gratitude for the support.