Melbourne family left 'traumatised' after doggy door break-in call for parents of repeat youth offenders to face charges
A family left traumatised after thieves broke into their Melbourne home through their doggy door while they slept is calling on more to be done to reduce youth crime, including criminal charges for their parents.
Ben and Kat Mansfield from Armadale in inner Melbourne told Today they were "devastated" and their children remained "terrified" following the early-morning home invasion on Wednesday.
They were woken by their dogs barking about 3.15am in Armadale, only to discover their blue Maserati along with personal items including Kat's handbag were stolen.
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Kat and Ben Mansfield and their two young children have been left shaken after thieves broke into their home through their doggy door while they slept in their Melbourne home. TODAY
The Mansfields are hoping someone might see the CCTV footage and identify the thieves. Nine
"They really weren't stressed, rushed - they were just taking their time, having fun," the mother of two told Today.
"It's just such a terrible violation of your privacy, but also your safety inside your own home and to see them acting so casually as though this is no big deal is quite striking."
The couple's seven-year-old son Henry was refusing to sleep in his bedroom and was keeping his taekwondo medal - his most prized possession - around his neck at all times.
Dad Ben wants more to be done to tackle youth crime, especially repeat offenders.
"There's about 20 people that make up 50 per cent of the crime in this area," he said.
"The parents need to be held to account.
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CCTV footage revealed the thieves broke in through their doggy door. Nine
Henry, 7, is keeping his taekwondo medal with him at all times for fear it could be taken following the robbery. Nine
"I actually believe that if the youth re-offends, then the parent needs to actually either pay the fine or do the time.
"The families that are actually accountable for these people should have tax and other subsidy benefits and implications on them to actually stop this."
Police are investigating the incident and said the offenders fled in the blue Maserati with the registration CDK439.
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