Therese Chamoun: South Yarra woman fronts Melbourne Magistrates' Court over theft

A South Yarra thief has been warned she faces a stint behind bars if she keeps offending after she broke into a sleeping elderly woman’s house and stole her car.

Therese Chamoun, 39, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates on Tuesday, September 26, where she admitted that she crept into an elderly South Melbourne woman’s house and stole her car.

A magistrate told a light-fingered South Yarra woman to “draw a line in the sand” and get on with life or likely go to jail if her offending continued.

Therese Chamoun, 39, fronted the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, September 26, where she admitted that she crept into an elderly South Melbourne woman’s house and rummaged through her belongings while the homeowner slept.

She fessed up to charges of aggravated burglary, theft, unlicensed driving and negligently dealing with proceeds of crime.

A police summary of facts stated about 7.30am on June 15, 2023, Chamoun was seen on CCTV walking along Nelson St in South Melbourne where an elderly woman was sleeping in her bedroom.

Chamoun crept inside through an unlocked rear door and rummaged through various items including her passport, blank cheques, a handbag, keys and a puffer jacket.

She then drove away in the elderly woman’s Toyota Yaris. Chamoun did not have a valid driver’s licence at the time. The homeowner saw her car being driven away and contacted police.

Chamoun was later found in the vehicle and all stolen properties were recovered. A Dutch passport was also recovered. She told police she was just a passenger in the vehicle and provided no further comment.

In a separate offence, Chamoun removed keys from a door at a shopping centre.

Magistrate David Starvaggi’s message to her was clear.

“You need to draw a line in the sand and get on with life. I sincerely wish you well and hope we don’t see you again.”

She was placed on a good behaviour order on all charges.