Family of 11 left stranded after van stolen

For the Rhimes family, getting from A to B can be struggle — but this weekend it became near impossible after their 12-seater van was stolen from outside their Carrum Downs home.

The Rhimes Family (from left) Isabelle, 11, Ava, 13, Jack, 14, Josephine, 4, Isaac, 2, mum Liana, Samuel, 10, Daniel, 8 months, dad Anthony, Layla, 6, and James, 8. Picture: Andrew Tauber

For the Rhimes family, getting from A to B can be a struggle — but this weekend it became near impossible after their 12-seater van was stolen from outside the family home.

With nine kids, the family of 11 need a “people mover” to get from the shops, to school and everywhere in between.

But now they are housebound.

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“It’s not just a matter of our car has been stolen — it’s a real situation,” mum Liana said.

The van was stolen while the family slept on Friday night and meant six-year-old Layla couldn’t go to a friend’s birthday party.

The family has also lost car seats and a double pram due to the theft. Picture Andrew Tauber

“We can’t even get the kids to school let alone a birthday party — we had four car seats and a double pram in there too. So I can’t even take the babies for a walk,” Mrs Rhimes said.

“It’s just the little things, like my baby’s favourite toy is in the car. He’s only eight months old.”

The family has only had the white Toyota HiAce for six months and are appealing for anyone who may have seen it to contact police.

Mrs Rhimes, who is a local midwife, said the theft was a despicable act and warned other families to be vigilant.

For the Rhimes family, getting from A to B can be struggle, but now it’s near impossible after their 12-seater van was stolen from outside the family home in Carrum Downs.

“I’m just horrified and I just really want to warn the community because I think a lot of people think if it’s a family car they’re safe — like who wants to hoon around in a van!” she said.

“But we had our van locked and it just goes to show.”

Mrs Rhimes and husband Anthony live in Carrum Downs but their children go to school in Edithvale and Mordialloc, meaning the school run is a two-hour task each day.

Jack, 14, Ava, 13, Isabelle, 11, Samuel, 10, James, 8, Layla, 6, Josephine, 4, Isaac, 2, and eight-month-old Daniel, will now have to be homeschooled until the family can get back on the road.

“My parents may be able to help out with the high school children but it’s a huge undertaking. There’s no one who could or I would ask to try and help with all the younger kids,” Mrs Rhimes said.

“Best case scenario it’s found in one piece, otherwise we’re back at square one.”

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