By Alesha Capone
A Tarneit mother whose car was stolen twice within a fortnight, and her roommate injured while trying to stop the thieves, says she feels unsafe in her own home.
Taylor Maloney said she “cannot wait to get away” from the area, but can’t afford to pay out her lease and find a new house.
“This incident had affected my sleep, I’ve had to get medication to help me sleep,” the mother of three said.
“I have lived in Werribee, Hoppers and Tarneit basically my whole life and I cannot wait to get away.”
Ms Maloney said her car was stolen from her home on September 23. Police found the undamaged vehicle and it was returned to her the next day.
Just two weeks later, on October 7, she was in her garage about 8pm, when she heard her car – which was parked in the driveway – start up.
Ms Maloney said she, her roommate and some friends ran outside, to see two men of African appearance stealing the car.
Ms Maloney’s roommate jumped onto the car, as the offenders struggled to get the Ford Falcon into gear while reversing out of the driveway.
The thieves drove to Isabella Way, where they hit a parked car, jamming the roommate’s left foot between the two vehicles.
“She has let go at this point, obviously because of the impact, and been thrown. [She] landed on a driveway and rolled onto the road and gutter,” Ms Maloney said.
“She jumped on the car because she honestly thought they [the thieves] wouldn’t want to hurt anyone and would have bailed and taken off, but unfortunately that was not the case.”
Ms Maloney said her roommate was taken to hospital with injuries including bruising and cuts to her feet and hand.
Her car, which was “dumped’ on Jeremy Street, has been written off.
Police are investigating the theft of Ms Maloney’s car.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
