Veteran’s home invaded on Anzac Day and beloved cat missing

A veteran is desperately searching for his beloved cat after his home was broken into by thieves and his possessions stolen on Anzac Day.

Corporal Joshua Hannan, an Australian Army veteran, served in the Solomon Islands. Picture: Liam Driver

A veteran is desperately searching for his beloved cat, after his home was broken into and his possessions stolen on Anzac Day.

“Heartbroken” Australian Army veteran Joshua Hannan was sleeping after a long day of commemoration and celebration with his “army buddies” when his Wallsend home was struck by thieves.

The robbers, who Mr Hannan believes are a group of “juveniles”, targeted the property at about 10pm on Tuesday night, according to data from his stolen Tesla car.

The intruders split open his flyscreen door as they entered before taking mobile phones, an Xbox console, Nintendo Switch, electric scooter, car and keys to the house and vehicles.

The thieves left behind laptops and, thankfully, his service medals on the countertop just metres away from the door.

Corporal Joshua Hannan, Australian Army veteran who served in the Solomon Islands, had his home robbed on Anzac Day. Picture: Liam Driver

Despite frustrated his personal items were gone, nothing compared to the feeling Mr Hannan experienced waking up about 7.30am Wednesday to find his “110 per cent” indoor short-haired cat Chief missing.

“I went downstairs and saw my front door was wide open,” he said.

Chief the cat who is missing after his owner’s home was broken into on Anzac Day.

“I feel it’s irresponsible as an Australian to own a cat and let them roam freely for the damage they can do to the environment.

“He doesn’t leave the house unless we are with him.”

A worried Mr Hannan is hoping his “best friend” will return however is particularly concerned given there were “weird piles of cat vomit” on the floor, leading him to believe Chief may have been injured.

He revealed that after leaving the Army his mental health declined as he suffered anxiety and depression, he experienced a marriage breakdown and career trouble and had to seek treatment for injuries from his service.

Chief will only leave Mr Hannan’s residence on a leash or in the presence of his owners.

“Through all of that my time in hospital, my career, my relationship breakdown, I had Chief by my side,” he said.

“I still struggle with my depression and anxiety and it’s been a long journey.

“He genuinely does look after me.”

Mr Hannan said after speaking to local police, he believes the thieves are a group of adolescents.

“If I had just known I would’ve had a chat to them and I would’ve given them all my possessions as a trade for me to interject some positivity into their lives,” he said.

Mr Hannan’s Wallsend home was robbed of numerous possessions. Picture: Liam Driver

“The problem is, there’s not really any suitable ways to effectively deter or punish.

“Being a minor the kids are still learning, it’s complex, it’s tricky. On one hand they’re children, on the other hand they’re dangerous.”

The 34-year-old said he is grateful for the support over the past two days from his veteran friends and community members who have shared his post about Chief over 800 times.

“He (Chief) will come back,” Mr Hannan said, trying to remain positive.

If anyone has seen 10-year old ginger cat Chief in the Wallsend area or knows any information, please contact [e-mail].

Originally published as Veteran’s home invaded on Anzac Day and beloved cat missing