Highlights
- Gold jewellery worth $75,000 and cash stolen from an Indian-origin couple's Melbourne home
- The alleged offender gained entry into the Pakenham residence through the back door
- Pakenham recorded 3,269 criminal incidents in the year ending June 2020
Nivedita and Abhishek, who are both doctors by profession, are still reeling under shock after an alleged offender made way with their suitcase packed with wedding jewellery worth at least $75,000 and 40,000 Indian rupees last week.
The couple claims they suspect the suitcase was stolen late on Friday evening when both were away at work and returned home “unusually late” after running some errands close to 9 pm.
Speaking to SBS Punjabi, Nivedita said she was alarmed when she realised that the back door of the house that leads to their rear lawn and pergola was ajar.
“My husband and I immediately rushed to the master bedroom to see if the suitcase – the most valuable thing in the house - was there but to our sheer bad luck, it had vanished. It was the only thing that was stolen from their property,” said the 28-year-old.
Back door of the house from where the alleged burglar gained entry (L); Nivedita wearing one of her necklaces that were stolen (R). Source: Supplied
“The offender stole a number of items including jewellery, cash, and personal documents before leaving the scene. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing,” said the police spokesperson.
Originally from southern India, the young couple had tied the knot in the presence of their family in India in February earlier this year.
They then went on to purchase an investment property in Pakenham but had to shift into the house in late September as they could not find suitable tenants for the property in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
Recalling how they were “extra cautious” with their valuables, Abhishek said they had carefully packed all their valuables in a single suitcase thinking that it would be easier to take care of the jewellery during the moving process.
Looking back, the couple now regrets making that choice, as they believe they only made it easier for the alleged burglar.
“We kept everything - all our documents, cash and my wife’s wedding jewellery in one place assuming it would be easier to take care of the valuables if they were all in one place. But that’s probably the biggest mistake we made,” said the 31-year-old.
Nivedita who recently lost her mother in April said she is especially heartbroken as some of the gold ornaments that were stolen belonged to her late mother and were family heirlooms that she had received during her wedding – a tradition that is followed in many Indian families.
Nivedita in her wedding attire and jewellery most of which was stolen from her home in Melbourne. Source: Supplied
“This year has turned out to be the worst year of my life. First, I lost my mother in April and I could not go for her last rites because of the border closure and now I have even lost her memorabilia.
“I can’t get her back, but if only I could get her jewellery back that she had passed on to me during my wedding,” she lamented.
Issuing an appeal, Nivedita has urged the members of the community to keep an eye out for the couple’s identity and financial documents including their medical degrees, birth certificates and property papers.
Some of the jewellery pieces that were stolen. Source: Supplied
Anyone who has seen the items or saw suspicious activity at the couple’s Pakenham residence is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on1800 333 000.
How safe is your home?: Take a quiz
As per the latest statistics released by crime statistics Victoria, crime in Cardinia Shire council has jumped by nearly 13 per cent compared to the same period last year, out of which Pakenham recorded 3,269 criminal incidents in 2020, the highest in the corridor.
Here are some safety tips to prevent home burglaries:
Victoria Police have issued safety guidelines for property owners and renters on how to prevent theft, burglary or home invasions. Some of the tips include locking up doors and windows, including side and rear doors and windows – “the most common entry points for burglars.”
In addition, you may also want to consider additional security measures such as security screen doors, sensor lights, a monitored alarm system and overt CCTV to keep a close watch.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
