Perth father demands tougher laws for home owners after home invasion

A Perth father who was violently assaulted in front of his young son is demanding tougher laws to protect home owners.

The dad, who was too frightened to reveal his identity, told 9News his son is “not the same” after seeing an intruder break into the Balcatta home and punch his father on Saturday night.

“It’s not good, it’s not good, he’s not the same, he’s not the same,” the man said.

“In about two seconds someone wanted to destroy my life, try kill me, kill my son, destroy my property.”

The intruder caused serious damage to the home’s windows and ceiling during the rampage, and tried to hide in the roof cavity before he was dragged out by police.

The victim said he felt helpless and is now calling for more legal rights for property owners.

“The government needs to change the law and stuff like that for when someone is broken into the property, I think the law is not protecting enough,” he said.

In Western Australia, it is lawful for an occupant to use any force they believe necessary if there are reasonable grounds but that does not guarantee legal protection if the home invader is badly injured.

“It is allowable under law to use some reasonable force to defend yourself but I’d caution people against that generally and rely on police,” WA Police Minister Michelle Roberts said.

The Opposition said there aren’t enough police on the beat.

“What we need is better policing, adequate resources so the police can get these guys before they create home invasion,” opposition police spokesman Peter Katsambanis said.