A LAVINGTON retiree has used a metal pipe to chase away a man on his property and says he’s disappointed he didn’t hit him.
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Tom Groch, 76, is recovering from heart surgery a fortnight ago but didn’t want to let that stop him defending himself and his wife.
Mr Groch threw the pipe at the intruder at his Worsley Place home on Wednesday after being woken about 2.30am, missing him by a few centimetres.
He wanted to rugby tackle the offender and could be heard shouting out “I’ll kill you you bastard”, but hesitated when the man tried to grab something – possibly a weapon – from his pocket.
Still shaken after the ordeal, Mr Groch said he doesn’t think the intruder will be game to return any time soon.
“It was very traumatic,” he said.
“But you can’t let people ride roughshod over you.
“I’m bitterly disappointed I didn’t get the bastard.”
He was left with an irregular heartbeat and needed medical attention.
An elderly woman was targeted in her Keatinge Court home about two kilometres away in similar circumstances hours earlier.
Police have dusted for fingerprints at both homes.
Mr Groch, who has 18 stents in his heart, said the man had fled his home with two bags under his arm, which he had taken from his garage.
He always keeps a side gate leading to his back yard closed but for some reason left it open on Tuesday night.
“I’m a bit disappointed I didn’t down him but I think in retrospect, I might have been better off not downing him,” Mr Groch said.
“I never saw any weapons but subconsciously, that’s what stopped me.”
Mr Groch was at home with his wife Barbara and was unsure what the thief had taken.
He sped off from the scene with tyre marks still visible outside the property.
Nothing was stolen from the first house.
The sole female resident in the Keatinge Court home appeared to have been woken by two intruders.
Inspector Scott Russell said police had located several items linked to the offences at both homes.
“They will be examined,” he said.
“The people are disturbed by the fact the sanctuary of their own houses has been disturbed by these offenders.”
Inspector Russell said the woman at the Keatinge Court house was traumatised by the ordeal.
He said the incidents served as a reminder for people to ensure their properties and vehicles were locked.
He urges anyone with information to contact police on (02) 6023 9299 or 1800 333 000.