BOGUS lawnmower men ripped off more than just grass clippings from a young couple’s Padbury home last Monday.
Paul (31) and wife Gemma (27), who did not want their surname published, are facing $30,000 in damage and theft costs, after two thieves – posing as lawnmower men – broke in while they were at work and trashed parts of their home with an axe.
The couple had a motorbike, a friend’s tools, electrical items, cash and jewellery, including Paul’s wedding ring, all stolen in the February 13 crime.
The offenders also stole a file full of receipts from a filing cabinet, giving them proof of purchase of the stolen items.
“It was surreal, it was like I was in a dream or something,” Paul said.
“I went into my bedroom and saw our safe on the floor smashed open with everything stolen.
“I was really angry and a bit disorientated – I just didn’t know what to think.”
It is believed the offenders arrived at the property in a white van.
Neighbours told Paul they saw the men dressed in high-visibility vests and tending to the front lawn.
He had not ordered any such work.
“I got home about 4pm and the garage door had been prised open,” he said.
“They (also) broke into the shed and found an axe; I had a motorbike which was locked up and they cut the chains with the axe. They smashed up the floor doing it.
“They went into the house and stole the works – cameras, three laptops. I had a safe in the bedroom and they smashed it off the wall.”
Neighbours told Paul they thought it was unusual when they saw the men in the yard because he normally did his own home maintenance.
Police have little information about the offenders, other than them being Caucasian, 20 to 30 years old and about 180cm tall.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.