THE Bagiri family have become the latest victims in a wave of car thefts sweeping through Ipswich, after teens stole their vehicle from outside their Raceview home last week.
The stolen car was driven to Acacia Ridge – just 35 kilometres away – but the consequences for Meg and Clinton Bagiri have been far greater than the short joyride taken by the offenders.
Former local basketball mainstay Meg Bagiri said the experience had left the family shaken.
“When my husband and I went to collect our belongings after police found the car, we discovered five other sets of keys inside,” Ms Bagiri said.
“The police located the car the same day, but we still don’t have it back. It’s crazy how common this is becoming in our city.”
Adding to their distress, the thieves removed and dumped the family’s car seats so they could fit more passengers.
“That made me rather angry – before I even realised it was teenagers who’d done this. That just angered us more,” she said.
The Bagiris, who have three children and are expecting a fourth, have been left feeling vulnerable.
Meg is 30 weeks pregnant, while her husband is recovering from a work-related injury sustained at the Youth Detention Centre, leaving him on crutches just days before the theft.
“They took our other car keys that had our garage and front door keys on them, so we’ve been on high alert all week too,” Meg said.
“It’s just so exhausting.”
Queensland Police said tackling vehicle theft remained a priority, with officers conducting proactive patrols and property crime operations across Ipswich.
“Crime intelligence shows most offenders will move on from a property when deterred by strong security measures,” a police spokesperson said.
The District Crime Prevention Unit is urging residents to take precautions such as parking in well-lit areas, locking garages and vehicles, and considering car alarms or steering wheel locks.
As the Bagiri family waits for the return of their vehicle, they hope sharing their experience will prompt others to be vigilant and push for greater action against property crime in Ipswich.
