URGENT UPDATE: An Australian father’s hopes of selling his prized $120,000 Holden GTS to support his sons’ first home purchases were shattered when a Facebook Marketplace thief stole the car during a scheduled inspection. The shocking incident occurred on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, outside Stephen Buttigieg’s home in Bonnyrigg Heights, Sydney.
Stephen, 63, was demonstrating the car to a seemingly friendly buyer, who introduced himself as ‘Brendon.’ As the inspection unfolded, the scammer lured Stephen away by claiming there was an issue with the car’s boot light. Just as Stephen closed the boot, the thief sped off in his collector’s item, leaving Stephen in disbelief.
“I just froze, and I couldn’t believe that he’d done that… he was such a nice person,” Buttigieg recounted in an interview with 9News. The home security footage captures the moment the car sped out of view, emphasizing the brazen nature of the theft.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community and highlights a worrying trend in Australia. Authorities report that car theft is surging nationwide, with over 72,000 vehicles stolen during the 2023-24 financial year, marking a staggering 32% increase from the previous year.
NSW Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway, urging sellers to remain vigilant when using online marketplaces. Buttigieg’s Holden GTS, locked away and uninsured, had never been driven, which left it without license plates at the time of the theft.
Strongly impacted by the incident, Buttigieg expressed his frustration, stating,
“People work hard, you try to help your kids, and this is what happens.”
His heartfelt plea for understanding resonates with many who have faced similar situations.
In light of this alarming crime wave, authorities have issued critical safety tips for buyers and sellers on platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Recommendations include:
– Meeting in public places with CCTV coverage.
– Bringing a friend to the meeting.
– Avoiding home meetings or allowing buyers inside.
– Coordinating transactions via phone calls instead of texts.
– Cautiously assessing any deal that seems too good to be true.
Potential red flags include sudden changes in meeting times or locations and buyers arriving with unexpected companions.
As this story develops, the community watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution to Buttigieg’s distressing experience. With auto theft becoming increasingly common, the need for vigilance has never been more critical.
Stay tuned for updates as authorities investigate this shocking theft and work to address the growing crime trend.
