Townsville burglary: Mackay family fall victim to youth crime scourge

A young Mackay family who moved to Townsville to seek medical treatment for their darling baby girl has received a harrowing introduction to the scourge that is local youth crime.

The Connell family, formerly of Mackay, moved to Townsville for daughter Gracie, 2.5 years, to bilateral cochlear implant surgery. Ms Connell said the loss of the brand new $75,000 Isuzu MU-X – the first time the family had ever purchased a new vehicle – and the realisation that her new home had been invaded was traumatic.

A young Mackay family who moved to Townsville to seek medical treatment for their darling baby girl has received a harrowing introduction to the scourge that is local youth crime.

Ashleigh Connell, a married mum with 2.5-year-old twins Noah and Gracie, said she was prepping breakfast on Thursday when she noticed “an internal door to the garage was open”.

“As I walked outside and notice the side gate open I peered around the corner and my heart fell to the floor,” she said.

“My driveway was empty and my new car was gone.”

Ms Connell said the loss of the brand new $75,000 Isuzu MU-X – the first time the family had ever purchased a new vehicle – and the realisation that her new home had been invaded was traumatic.

“I’m thankful they were just kids and wanted my keys and didn’t want to hurt my family.”

Ashleigh Connell, a married mum with 2.5-year-old twins Noah and Gracie. Picture: Supplied

She said her handbag containing her keys was hanging outside the door to Gracie’s room when it was stolen.

“She is hearing-impaired and thankfully wouldn’t have heard them (the thieves) to disturb them.”

The Connell family with their brand new $75,000 Isuzu MU-X – the first time the family had ever purchased a new vehicle. Picture: Supplied

Ms Connell said the intruders were determined to gain entry to their home in what was a protracted break-in through multiple levels of security.

“Cars can be replaced and yes we are out of pocket thousands of dollars for repairs to the house, insurance excess, replacing personal items but there is no price for invasion of privacy and feeling uneasy in your own home,” she said.

“You’re constantly looking over your shoulder.”

Ms Connell said the family were lucky to have been provided with a rental vehicle for 21 days but the process of replacing the stolen vehicle, which was insured, would take much longer.

She said Gracie was about to undergo bilateral cochlear implant surgery, which meant multiple medical appointments, on top of routine transport requirements.

“How am I to do this without a vehicle?”

Ms Connell said she had been warned about the crime in Townsville but had not been prepared to experience it first-hand, nor so quickly.

Originally published as Townsville burglary: Mackay family fall victim to youth crime scourge