Brunswick garage used as shelter for homeless person, unbeknown to owner
A Brunswick woman was stunned to find a homeless person had been squatting in her unused garage for up to three months, after finding rubbish and belongings strewn across the floor.
North West
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A Brunswick woman has been left shocked after discovering someone had been living in her garage for up to three months.
Park St resident Stephanie (last name withheld) said she was moving belongings from her third floor apartment earlier this month when she entered the garage for the first time in a few months.
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Inside she discovered hard rubbish and belongings, including suitcases, one rollerblade and stains likely from cooking in the space.
Stephanie said the person most likely lifted up the garage door to sneak in, prompting her to now change the locks.
She said she had recently noticed a man in the street looking into cars.
“I unlocked the door and when I opened it immediately my heart sank,” she said.
“I did want to be sympathetic, I don’t actually feel that bad about them being in there, it’s more just the condition of the place.”
After she called Brunswick police, Stephanie threw out the rubbish.
Brunswick police Senior Sergeant Michael Moloney said if the incident was a one-off, police would attempt to find the person and help them find a place to stay.
“If it continues and the person who owns the property says I really don’t want the person there … criminal charges could apply,” he said.
Council to Homeless Persons chief executive Jenny Smith urged people to be sensitive to homeless people in similar situations.
“When thinking how to help someone, consider how you would want to be treated and spoken to,” she said.
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