Brave dad defends wife from machete-wielding thugs trying to steal his Mercedes in Melbourne

A quick-thinking father thwarted the plans of machete-wielding thugs who swooped through his home to steal his luxury car.

Footage from the terrifying incident shows the 49-year-old man from Keysborough in Melbourne’s south-east running from his home at 7am Saturday to scare off four balaclava-clad men who looked through his windows and hanging out in his Mercedes.

While the gang tries to flee in a white Skoda hatchback, the father quickly snaps photos of their getaway car.

But then the perpetrators come to a screeching halt and three of them jump out to confront the brave father, one of whom wields a machete.

CCTV footage shows him hurriedly turning on his heels as the knife-wielding man dressed in black approaches him.

He accidentally knocks down his 50-year-old wife, before lifting her off the floor and back to safety while wildly waving a bucket at the intruders.

Family friend Anton Wick said the gang wanted the father’s phone.

“They wanted to destroy the evidence,” said Mr. Wick 9News.

“It was really scary and really unbelievable. The woman was very traumatized, I think it still haunts her mind.’

No one was physically injured in the incident, according to police.

Police believe the white Skoda used by the offenders was stolen during a high-profile burglary at Glenvill Court, Templestowe at around 3am on July 27.

“It is believed the vehicle used by the perpetrators was stolen during a major burglary at Glenvill Court, Templestowe at around 3am on July 27,” a Victoria Police spokesman said.

“Police arrested a 17-year-old Pakenham man this afternoon and he is currently assisting detectives in their investigation.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.