Shocked by home invasion

What has happened to the world? How low have standards fallen? A man’s not safe to read the newspaper in the privacy of his own home without the intrusion of theft and violence.

The story of robbery and pet murder shocked many Australians this week. I was as outraged as the next man to read of the death of a Welsh budgerigar at the hands of merciless home invaders. I mean, Welsh! If I don’t give a rat’s about the Welsh, why would I give a fig about their pets?

But after my initial outrage subsided, certain details in the story began to chafe. Not only did real mystery lie at the heart of the tale, there was much to be taken from it. Perhaps the editors weren’t filling the papers with worthless bilge. Maybe they too had detected magic in the story and their inky brains had cunningly anticipated the excellence of reader responses.

And what magic there is.

What price a Welsh woman’s soul that a budgie should be her soulmate (sic)?

Sure, the elderly woman was traumatised, but spare a thought for the door, said to have been insecure before the robbery.

The diligence of the Welsh constabulary in ensuring the international circulation of the wanted men’s description is to be admired (in their 20s and wearing dark beanies). Amateur sleuths may think it implausible that Cardiff robbers during winter wore so little.

But the deepest mystery lies in the behaviour of the Welsh biddy. Oh, yes, she played for sympathy with her “trauma”, deep “upset” and so called “elderliness” and, no doubt, many were appalled at her terrifying fate - being pushed back into her comfy chair - but if she was so upset why would she pay the “thieves” 50 quid more than they asked for?

If I was a Cardiff copper I’d be looking for a contract killing.

As ever, Australian readers’ comments give one confidence in the nation’s future. Pick any at random but a few favourites:

R of Adelaide goes for the jugular with: And guess what, these guys don't care a bit and will actually hurl insults at the majority of us who are disgusted.

Ouch!

Anne of Maitland looks us in the pocket and appeals to the famous Aussie generosity that saw us unselfishly respond to the Asian Tsunami: How do we as people donate moeny to this lady as not only did she have to go through this she lost her money which was properably very hard for her too? So come on people dont just read HELP

Thanks, Anne, for starting the collection with a sixpence and some pocket lint.

Paul Mcneilly shows real insight and more than a working familiarity with bird brains - As a professional working in grief counselling the lady must know her budgie would never want her to be upset . A budgie can love and be loved unconditionally . This is one case where I would offer the lady a replacement bird , not the same but would help her grieve . As for the thugs who were responsible I am convinced the budgie had more courage than those low life . I hope they go to jail with broken backs to feel the pain they inflicted on a defenceless but dearly loved living creature .

Thanks Paul. Thanks a lot. Then again, how did you know she was a professional grief counsellor and who are you to say she wouldn't want the same one, with it's little feet sticky taped to the perch?

Can it be true?

I didn't get everything I wanted for Christmas but the possible elevation of John Robertson helped ease the pain of disappointment.