Level crossing works in Carrum ‘force’ couple out of their house, which is then burgled
A COUPLE in Carrum, who had to vacate their house due to “unbearably’ loud level crossing removal works nearby, were then targeted by thieves.
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A COUPLE in Carrum, who had to vacate their home due to nearby level crossing removal works, were then targeted by burglars.
Unbearable noise from the dual construction of the Patterson River Bridge and Carrum Station works had forced some nearby residents to stay elsewhere, leaving their homes vacant and vulnerable.
Desperate for relief, Judy Smith and Bill Dwyer had moved out temporarily, but then thieves broke in, taking a safe of valuables and other expensive personal items.
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Alerted by their security system, the couple initially thought the vibrations from the works had set off the sensors.
“It’s like a war zone there. We have had down lights dropping from the ceiling,” Mr Dwyer said.
Starting in April, the $588 million bridge works have been headache-inducing, with the Level Crossing Removal Authority offering movie vouchers and ear muffs to residents as relief.
But the couple are angry the authority had not been monitoring homes.
“We trusted the level crossing works to be carried out in a professional manner. We’ve lost everything,” Mrs Smith said.
Moorabbin detective Sergeant Michael Coughlin confirmed they were investigating the burglary where personal items and a safe were stolen.
He said this was the only reported burglary where the victims had been forced out of their home because of the level crossing construction noise.
Police have urged all homeowners to secure their properties and help reduce the risk of burglary by locking all doors and windows, installing sensor lights, CCTV, an alarm system and security screen doors and by being a good neighbour.
Sgt Coughlin said at this stage there are no suspects, but anyone with CCTV from the surrounding streets is urged to contact Kingston crime investigation unit on 9556 6111 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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