A British backpacker's Australian adventure has turned into a living nightmare after callous thieves not only robbed her car but set it ablaze in a Perth shopping centre car park, leaving her traumatised and questioning her future in Australia.
Dream Holiday Turns to Ash
Megan, a 25-year-old work holidaymaker from the UK, had been enjoying her time in Western Australia until a routine shopping trip to Livingston Marketplace in Canning Vale turned into what she describes as "the worst day of my life."
"I came back to where I'd parked and there was just... nothing," Megan recounted, her voice trembling. "At first I thought I'd forgotten where I parked, but then I saw the fire crews and realised that burnt-out shell was my car."
The Devastating Discovery
Thieves had smashed the windows of Megan's Holden Captiva and made off with everything she owned while she was inside the shopping centre. But the violation didn't end there.
"They took my passport, my wallet with all my cards and cash, my laptop with all my photos from my travels, even my clothes," she said. "But then they deliberately set the car on fire. Why would anyone do that? It's just pure evil."
Facing Financial Ruin
The incident has left Megan facing enormous financial pressure and bureaucratic nightmares. Without her passport and with limited funds, she's struggling to navigate the complex process of replacing her documents while dealing with the trauma of the event.
"I've lost everything I came here with," she explained. "The car was my home - I was living in it to save money while travelling. Now I have nowhere to sleep and no way to get around for work."
Safety Concerns for Tourists
The brazen midday attack has raised serious questions about security in Perth shopping centre car parks. Witnesses reported seeing the suspects fleeing the scene, but despite police investigations, no arrests have been made.
"This was in the middle of the day in a busy shopping centre," Megan noted. "If this can happen here, where is safe?"
Community Support Emerges
In the wake of the devastating incident, the local community and fellow travellers have rallied around Megan, offering accommodation and financial support through a crowdfunding campaign.
"The support from strangers has been incredible," she said. "It's restored a bit of my faith in humanity after such a horrible experience."
Western Australia Police are continuing their investigation and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
