Imagine coming home after a long day, ready to relax, only to discover that your backyard pool has become the secret hangout spot for a complete stranger.
That’s exactly what happened to Holly Stevens, who was left scratching her head—and feeling more than a little uneasy—after reviewing her home security footage.
But it wasn’t until she installed upgraded CCTV cameras that the truth came to light: a man had been sneaking into her backyard, stripping off his shoes, and taking a post-run dip in her pool—while she was out.
‘He’s like sweaty, has sneakers on and is running and then he’s stretching in the pool after a run, which is honestly very gross because it’s just like this guy that we don’t know coming in sweaty and swimming,’ Holly said. ‘It’s just bizarre.’
The footage revealed the man’s routine: he’d check to make sure the coast was clear, then help himself to a refreshing swim. This wasn’t a one-off, either. Holly, a Brisbane resident, estimates there have been at least five separate incidents since January and suspects there may have been more before the cameras were installed.
While this story might sound like something out of a quirky Australian sitcom, it highlights a very real issue: trespassing. In Australia, entering someone’s property without permission is illegal, and the penalties can be steep.
Depending on the circumstances, offenders can face fines of up to $3,222 for a standard offence, or $6,444 for aggravated trespass (which includes causing damage or intending to steal or harm). In more serious cases, community service or even jail time can be on the cards.
Soon after the footage spread, the intruder was identified. Realising his mistake, Matt, a 34-year-old man from Geebung, turned himself in to the police after the story went public and was issued an official adult caution for trespassing.
He explained that he had mistaken the property for a display home and didn’t realise anyone lived there. After his jogs, feeling overheated, he mistook the empty-looking house as an opportunity to cool off.
While most of us would never dream of wandering into a stranger’s backyard, trespassing is surprisingly common. Sometimes it’s opportunistic—like a jogger looking for a quick cool-off—but other times, it’s more sinister, involving theft or property damage.
In Holly’s case, the intruder seemed to be after nothing more than a swim, but the violation of privacy was unsettling all the same.
This unusual case highlights how trespassing can occur in unexpected ways, leaving homeowners feeling uneasy and vulnerable. While such situations may seem rare, they underscore the importance of maintaining security and privacy in our daily lives.
Have you ever caught someone trespassing on your property? What steps have you taken to protect your home? Share your experiences in the comments below—your advice could help others keep their homes safe and secure.
Also read: The eerie doorstep delivery that sparked a security scare
