An elderly Adelaide grandmother living alone made a terrifying discovery when police found a squatter had been secretly living in her attic ceiling cavity. The pensioner, who resides in a Housing Trust property in Adelaide, South Australia, began noticing unsettling incidents from late 2025. She heard strange noises from above, her cat became agitated, and household items vanished without explanation.
Chilling Discovery
The shocking truth came when a tremendous thud echoed through her home in the early hours. 'There was this humungous bang,' she said. 'It sounded like somebody had almost fallen through the roof.' She cowered in fear as expletives rang out from her ceiling. 'I was too freaked out to ring the police because I thought if I made a noise, whoever was up there would come down.'
Officers searched the property and found an unidentified squatter had established a concealed camp in the ceiling cavity. A makeshift bed, shoes, crockery, tins of food, and drugs were uncovered. It is believed the intruder gained entry through damaged roof tiles and crept down while the resident slept.
Months of Terror
Months of peculiarities became clear, including her toilet seat repeatedly found raised and fresh contents in the bowl. 'There's been someone up there this whole time, getting up and down in my home when I've been asleep,' she said. 'I got quite upset, and I thought, no, this is not right.'
The pensioner had repeatedly raised concerns with the Housing Trust, but no help was sent. 'They make you out to feel like you're stupid,' she explained. The Housing Trust stated it takes tenant safety seriously. Minister for Housing and Urban Development Nick Champion said the Trust was made aware last week and has since visited multiple times to ensure the home is secure. The roof has been repaired and locks replaced.
'The Housing Trust will continue to work with the tenant to ensure she feels safe in her home,' Champion said. 'I encourage anyone who has immediate fears for their safety or thinks someone is trespassing to contact police.' A South Australian Police spokesperson confirmed investigations are ongoing.
