Ashmont’s Kate Millett woke to a nightmare about 3.30am on Wednesday when police knocked on her door to deliver the heartbreaking news. 

Having purchased the bright blue Toyota Hilux just five months ago, the university student now has nothing to show for her years of perseverance and hard work. 

“I started working when I was 14 putting money away and slowly saving,” she said. 

“Now it’s been burnt to a crisp and it’s just devastating.”    

It’s been a rough two weeks for Ms Millet, whose father’s Hilux was recently stolen during a horror break-in while she was visiting the family for a holiday in Cairns. 

“I feel like I have a dark cloud over my head,” she said. 

“I was borrowing my dad’s ute at the time and it was the same deal, an $18,000 Hilux and we only got back about $7000.” 

The car, which had $10,000 worth of modifications including a reversing camera, a bull bar, touch screen and spotlights, was stolen from Madang Street and found burnt out on Swan Street. 

Ms Millett, who balances working as a tutor and a cleaner while studying, will only receive about $8000 from her insurance company, meaning a $12,000 loss. 

“I work hard for what I get and now there’s nothing,” she said. 

“I’ve had a few cries today because it’s just devastating and I’m over it. 

“Why are they doing this?” 

Fed up with the rate of stolen and burnt out cars across Wagga, Ms Millett has called for tougher sentencing laws and for parents to take control if children are found to be the ones responsible. 

“The police do a great job and are doing the best they can,” she said. 

“There needs to be more consequences, maybe the parents need to pay off what the kids are damaging. 

“It’s not fair that I work my ass off all the time and kids who don’t do anything just go and ruin it.” 

Riverina Police District Inspector Peter McLay said it was a timely reminder for residents to keep their keys, wallets, and valuables safe. 

“Victims play a part in this too,” he said.

“Thieves are opportunists and will check for open doors, unlocked windows and they’ll search for keys and wallets in sight.”

Ms Millett now has a message for the community. 

“If you know anything or if you know there's people in your neighbourhood doing these things then report it,” she said. 

“When I was a kid I had to be home before the sun went down, they’re asking for trouble.

“Appreciate what you’ve got and what you’ve worked for because you don’t deserve to have it ripped from you.”