Smash driver’s luck runs out

By Justin Robertson
A PAKENHAM woman suffered a double blow after she survived a crash but then had her abandoned car torched by vandals.
The 24-year-old was driving her blue Holden Barina north on Harkaway Road when she lost control as she swerved to avoid hitting a wombat which was crossing the road.
Her car hit a tree and was slightly damaged.
The woman was uninjured and contacted a friend to collect her with the intention of coming back the next day to pick up the car.
However, Narre Warren police Detective Sergeant Paul Stow said that later in the night passing vandals smashed all the windows and dented most of the panels on the car.
He said Country Fire Authority crews were called to the scene about 1.30am because the vandals had attempted to set the car on fire.
“Some offenders have come in and beaten the car up with clubs or baseball bats and in doing that, stuffed material into the petrol spout and lit it with the intention of setting the car on fire,” he said.
“There was some damage to the car but the offenders weren’t successful igniting the petrol.”
The 2000 Barina has been assessed as a write-off after the 4 June incident.
“The young girl had no insurance and is now unable to buy a new car at this stage,” Sgt Stow said.
“The thing that is disappointing, is the car might have been fixable and she’s left it on the side of the road – which is the correct thing to do.
“In her absence some unscrupulous people have come and totally destroyed the car and tried to set it on fire.”
Sgt Stow cautioned residents who live near or around that part of Harkaway to be vigilant when driving late at night. “That area is known for its wildlife, so you must take care when heading around bends and be mindful of the wildlife,” he said.
“People should be more concerned about their own safety, instead of trying to avoid an animal, you don’t want to end up in a tree.
“This incident could have been a lot worse.”