A FATHER says he feels “violated” after crooks broke into his home while he and his one-year-old baby were sleeping before they stole two cars from his driveway.
Aran Pierce, 34, has lived in Long Road West, Dedham, since early April with his fiancé and young child, while his two other children also visit on the weekends.
During the early hours of Tuesday, at about 3am, Aran and his partner suddenly heard the sound of movement coming from their back door.
After going to investigate, the father-of-three realised his grey Honda Civic and his fiancé’s company car, a grey Volkswagen Golf, had gone.
Brazen burglars had managed to force their way into the couple’s property before stealing their car keys and making off with their motors.
“We did not hear them enter but we did hear them as they were leaving, we did not even hear the cars move, so they could have pushed them off the drive,” said Aran.
“My reaction was pure shock and we feel violated because we have our baby sleeping here and have swings and slides so they knew there was a child in the house.
“On the weekends we have three children here, so it is a massive shock but clearly for them the reward outweighs the risk.
“The Civic is mine and I’ve had it about three years and yes, it’s a bit of an old banger, but I genuinely loved that car.”
Aran has now hit-out at the raiders for targeting hardworking families.
He added: “These people simply do not care about the implications of their actions because the aftermath of this could potentially ruin us financially.
“I work full-time and I am just trying my best to make a life for my family, so this is hard to take - they know what they are doing and they are not afraid to get caught."
Essex Police confirmed they are investigating the burglary.
A spokesman said: “Our inquiries are on-going and we are appealing for anyone who witnessed the burglary or has dashcam or doorbell footage to get in touch."
If you have any information you can call us on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting crime reference number 42/165131/22.
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