When his ute was stolen from his Mount Austin home last week, Luke Trevaskis expected to never see it again.
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"Everyone kept saying I'd never get it back, especially not in this area," the 20-year-old said.
"I expected the only time I'd see it again is when it was burnt out."
But, his premonition turned out to be false, as more than 24 hours after it was stolen on Thursday morning, the 2001 Holden Rodeo was found unharmed in East Wagga.
Upon taking re-delivery of his vehicle, Mr Trevaskis said he found to empty fuel bottles in the car, but otherwise everything was as it had been left.
It is the second time the vehicle has managed to be unscathed despite the hand of crime.
"A few months back I had it parked outside my mate's house and these two kids without a licence crashed into it," he said.
"It had no damage, just a dint in the tray but I took it to the mechanics and they said it was OK.
"Seems like it's a bad omen, I don't know the car loves action or something, but it always comes back to me."
Having only moved into his Mount Austin home two weeks ago, the recent theft has left Mr Trevaskis feeling uncomfortable.
"Seems like I need to get a [guard] dog or some sensor lights or cameras, something so that I know if someone's walking around the place," he said.
"It's pretty expensive and not fair that we have to buy all this, but what else are you going to do? Seems to be the only thing that'll keep your stuff safe."
Having grown up in Wagga, Mr Trevaskis knew the reputation parts of the neighbourhood had before he moved in. But, he had little choice.
"You have to go where you can afford, but then you have to spend a lot to make it safe," he said.