Late on Christmas Eve, a fire broke out in his Point Cook residence located in the city’s south-west.

Though his wife and children were away at the time, the family’s cherished cat tragically perished in the fire.

“I can’t comprehend sinking to such a low level to break into a house and steal,” Woern stated.

A few days later, while assessing the damage to see if anything could be saved, the father of two noticed something amiss.

“At first, it didn’t register, but then I saw drawers open and realized someone had been through the house,” he explained.

Woern suspects that intruders rifled through his home not once but twice—initially on Christmas or Boxing Day, and again on the 29th and 30th.

More than $15,000 worth of cameras, technology and tools were stolen as well as a purse.

“This is not the typical Australian who cares about others, it’s not,” Woern said.

The family is now appealing for the public’s help to track down the stolen items, urging anyone who sees anything suspicious listed online or at physical outlets to contact them. 

As for the thieves, Woern has a message.

“Get a life and think about what you are doing to others,” he said.