Stolen car with all the family’s presents inside ruins single-dad’s Christmas

A Smithfield dad who had his car packed full of presents, ready to drive to Townsville to see his kids, has recounted how devastated he was after thieves stole Christmas and left him at least $5000 out of pocket.

A Smithfield dad who had his car packed full of presents ready to drive to Townsville to see his kids, has recounted how devastated he was when thieves stole his car and left him at least $5000 out of pocket.

Damien Milzewski said that on the night of December 23, his Nissan Navara was packed full of gifts for his kids and family, including a gold bracelet, toys. figurines, and other stocking fillers, and luggage.

Mr Milzewski said he was “angry, frustrated, and incredibly heartbroken” to wake up to his car being driven out of the driveway on the morning of Christmas Eve.

“At first I was confused and shocked but then the realisation set in – I had just lost Christmas,” he said.

Damien Milzewski's Nissan Navara after being found and returned. Picture: Damien Milzewski

The day before it happened, Mr Milzewski had found his belongings misplaced throughout the car and his work bag missing.

Inside the work bag was the spare keys to his car.

“They came in and found my bag with the keys, then waited until the next night to drive off with my car,” he said.

The car was located by members of the community in the bushes at Caravonica.

Damien Milzewski’s stolen Nissan Navara was found dumped in bushes at Caravonica. Picture: Facebook

“They did a lot of unnecessary damage and I’m fearful they’ll try and break into my house or steal the car again now they have my car keys,” he said.

Mr Milzewski predicts that after the damage repairs, change in locks, and buying new Christmas presents, the whole incident will leave him $5000 out of pocket.

“I’m going to have to work hard now to start saving for these repairs and damages – which doesn’t seem fair seeing as though I was just sleeping.”

He also thanked the Facebook community for the assistance in locating his vehicle.

Damien Milzewski and his located stolen Nissan Navara

Originally published as Stolen car with all the family’s presents inside ruins single-dad’s Christmas