Single mother and autistic son survive alleged home invasion attempt

A pensioner’s brave decision when confronted with two strangers in her backyard at night has allegedly lead to three teens being arrested after taking refuge under a caravan.

A pensioner and her Jack Russell shot into action in the middle of the night, scaring off two teenagers who allegedly tried to break into two homes and steal from cars.

The typically quiet Bloomfield Street in Morayfield Landing was disturbed in the early hours of this morning, November 14, by barking police dogs on the hunt for three teenagers.

Pensioners Wendy Stewart and Paul Toye were woken at 1.50am by the sound of the gate latch on the pool fence being used.

Ms Stewart was laying in bed on her phone when she climbed out of bed and walked to the back screen door.

Turning the back patio light on, she spotted two teenagers in dark clothing and hoodies standing on her patio.

Ms Stewart started yelling at the pair before the teens took off running, past the pool and out the side gate, chased by Ms Stewart’s jack russell terrier.

The teenagers were chased west on Bloomfield Street before the police were called, arriving within 10 minutes to Ms Stewart’s house, with the dog squad.

“It was quite scary and I couldn’t believe I just yelled at them and they ran away,” Ms Stewart said.

“If they’re going to get in, they’re going to get in.

“It’s unfortunate we’re elderly pensioners and you just don’t know.

“We don’t have cameras but we will now.”

Morayfield retirees Wendy Stewart and Paul Toye are going to install security cameras and do all they can to prevent any future break-in attempts. Picture: Aaron Goodwin

Before Ms Stewart’s home was disturbed, a neighbour claimed they heard someone attempting entry via their back door.

The single mother, who wished to remain anonymous, hadn’t realised her home had been involved until she was woken up by the police’s arrival and a big bang at Ms Stewart’s house.

After checking on Ms Stewart, the mother returned home and discovered that a sliding door at the back of her home had been opened.

Earlier she did hear some noises but thought it was her autistic son in the kitchen.

“It was weird and creepy,” the mother said.

“I’m a single mum, I’m on my own.

“It’s weird that they took nothing, that creeps me out more than anything else.

“Maybe my son disturbed them, maybe he was being restless … he could’ve been making noises in his sleep, knocking or banging.

“That’s the only thing I can think of that disturbed them and made them decide to go next-door.”

Police said the dog squad found the three teenagers hiding under a caravan on Cresthaven Street, after it’s alleged they entered two unlocked cars and stole a debit card, an iPad and a handbag.

Police have charged a 14-year-old from Caboolture with enter dwelling at night and enter premises with intent to commit an indictable offence.

A 14-year-old from Strathpine has been charged with enter dwelling at night, two counts of entering premises with intent to commit indictable offence and possessing dangerous drug.

A 18-year-old from Caboolture South has been charged with two counts of unlawful entry into vehicles and will appear in Caboolture Magistrates Court on December 13.

The two 14-year-olds will appear in the Caboolture Magistrates Court today, November 14.