Moama police contacted Jean and Zach Webby this morning to advise them they had found their 2014 dark grey Mazda 3 SP25 about 25m off the Cobb Hwy on Mathoura Line Rd burnt out.
“We went to have a look and were devastated when we saw what was left,” Jean said.
Zach had scheduled the car for a service with Echuca Mazda on the Northern Hwy for Friday, March 26.
“We left the car locked out the front of the service centre on the nature strip the night before, March 25, so it was there for the next morning and we put our key in the lock box at the service centre,” Jean said.
In the morning, the car was gone and a Mazda employee found the lock box on the ground.
“Mazda have advised they are not liable for any part of what has occurred although they have provided a loan car until after Easter," Jean said.
Jean said the couple had comprehensive insurance through RACV which would pay them out.
“That insurance really doesn’t cover what you lose, having owned this car brand new and knowing its entire service history,” she said.
Jean said Echuca police obtained CCTV footage from Mazda, which captured a man stealing the keys from the lock box, walking to the car, getting in, and driving away.
“We feel very disappointed and angry about what has happened and hope that no-one else that leaves their car out after hours for a service, or anywhere for that matter, experience what we have,” she said.
“I know there has been a lot of crime, but you never really think it will happen to you. When it does, it changes your view on the world.”
It’s the second stolen car that was found dumped in Moama this morning.
Echuca and Moama police are investigating both crimes.
Murray River Police District western sectors Inspector Paul Huggett said both vehicles would be forensically examined.
"Thefts can be opportunistic, so we urge people to lock their cars, remove valuables and lock their garage doors," he said.
"A thief will try a door with an iPad/wallet on the dash before they try one where they can’t see anything.
"If modern day cars aren’t secured and they are stolen, computers/hardware of the vehicle can be downloaded and may cause further grief with insurances later."
Anyone with information about either theft can contact Echuca police on 5483 1500 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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