An unsolved mystery is still being investigated as two intense and terrifying home raids occurred during the summer of 2009. Two homes were raided where the armed suspects tied up and threatened families and stole their firearms. The two incidents are believed to be linked, as both occurrences were very similar. Police are still hoping that anyone with any bit of information can provide clues or hints on their investigations.
One of the incidents happened to a family of five at Hampton Park. The family had three children between the ages of 12 through 15. The family was tied up with electrical tape and was even held at gunpoint by at least four different men. The incident occurred at about 8:45pm on June 3rd.
The 47-year-old father of three was forced to open his gun safe and the suspects ran off with five firearms that were worth about $3,000. Ever since that horrifying incident, he told the crime investigation’s unit that it has made a lasting impact on his family. “The incident has had a long-term impact on the family’s sense of security, which no one should be subjected to when it comes to living in their own home,” Det-Sgt Rumble said.
After that incident occurred, another similar occurrence happened just six weeks later on August 19th. The incident happened around the same time at 9pm as the 36-year-old man was forced to open up his safe while his 32-year-old wife who is several months pregnant was tied up. Two toddlers were also inside the house during the time. The man was led to his gun safe. The male victim tried to defend himself, but was restrained by the suspects as they forced him to fork up 11 of his treasured firearms in addition to other cherished belongings. The total worth of all the valuables that were stolen from the victim was more than $25,000.
Det-Sgt Rumble mentioned that both the male victims had ties to the Sporting Shooters Pistol Club, which is based in Springvale. The president of the Pistol Club, Mark Penberthy said that many folks were surprised and stunned by the incidents towards its members that other members of the club have invested and enhanced their own home security to take extra measures against burglary and theft.
“All our shooters keep their guns in safes, unloaded, and it’s ironic, as law-abiding shooters, they were completely defenseless in these situations,” Mr. Penberthy said. “Some of our members went out and bought video surveillance systems and commercial safes to heighten security around their homes. We use FBI standard triple-encryption on our membership lists to keep them secure because our concern that shooters can become a target.”
It’s very haunting and frightening that not only are the members of the club are victims to such intimidating crimes, but also their families are being threatened and targeted. It’s already nerve-racking finding someone break into your home, but having to be held up at gunpoint can be emotionally and mentally grueling. Imagine these families who could have lost their lives and were absolutely helpless despite having the right protection to secure their firearms. It will haunt them forever until these suspects are caught and arrested. It leaves a mental scar and could keep you up at night, paranoid that someone will come after you. That’s why you can never be too safe and you have to become aware of your surroundings. Here at Security Base, we’re always concerned not only about the safety and protection of your products, but also yourselves. You never know when an incident like this can happen to you.
Source: http://pakenham-cardinia-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/help-solve-a-home-invasion-cold-case/
