The four people — believed to be three males and one female — took the maroon station wagon from a Grant Court house about 4.45am.

The residents, a single mother with three children, were away for the weekend.

The car was seen turning right into Dalgleish Street before crashing into the curb and then a tree on Gralen Street about 5am.

With both tyres on the right side of the car punctured, the thieves were unable to drive on and fled from the scene.

One of the group was heard shouting, “My head, my head” as they ran away.

Police were examining the dumped car yesterday morning, scouring for fingerprints.

They discovered a number plate had been removed from the front of the car, leading to the possibility that the group had also affixed a false plate.

Wodonga police Sen-Constable Simone Jarrott said it was likely a crime of opportunity.

“For a mum with three kids and the car’s not insured, it’s a big hit for her,” she said.

Anyone with any information should call Wodonga police, (02) 6049 2600 or Crime Stoppers, 1800 333 000.