GRIFFITH’S Scott Farrawell woke up to a rude shock in the early hours of Sunday, February 22.
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Mr Farrawell went to sleep on Saturday night and was awoken by a knock at the door at about 3am.
He answered the door to police officers.
They asked where his car was which puzzled Scott because as far as he knew it should have been sitting in his driveway.
“I went to bed Saturday night before I was woken up by police around three or four in the morning,” Mr Farrawell said.
“The police asked me where my car was and I said ‘what are you talking about it’s in the driveway’.
“I had a look and the driveway and my car isn’t in there where it should be.
“I was in shock, I just couldn’t believe it.
“I didn’t know where it had gone or what had happened.
“The keys were inside (the house) so they have gotten into it (the ute) some other way.”
The 1997 Ford Courier was in pristine condition and had recently had some modifications done to it.
Mr Farraway was confused as to why someone would set light to his ute.
“All they did was take it, drove a very short way and then burnt it to the ground,” Mr Farraway said.
“I just can’t wrap my head around it, I’m still in a state of shock.
“It had brand new tyres on it, new wheels, I had just bought a whole new front end, new seat covers.
“It might have been 17-years-old but it was in great condition, had barely any kilometres on it.”
NRMA Insurance offers some tips for motorists on how to prevent thefts.
Each year more than 131,000 cars are stolen across Australia – that’s one every four minutes.
The majority of vehicles stolen are over 10 years old – they’re easy targets as they lack effective security devices.
Tips
- Fit a self-arming immobiliser – it’s the most effective security.
- Don’t hide a second set of keys in or on your car.
- Never leave your car with the keys in it or running unattended – even for a minute.
- Hide personal items (but don’t do it when potential thieves could be watching) – better still, don’t keep any items in the car at all
- Close all windows, lock all doors and take the keys with you.