By Taylah Eastwell
Heartless thieves have stolen generators and burgled the vacant houses of storm-battered Yarra Ranges residents.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patten told 3AW on Thursday 24 June that at least five generators have been stolen across the Dandenong Ranges.
Three houses have also been ransacked in the area, with some of the offending taking place at unoccupied homes in Mt Evelyn and Healesville that had been deemed uninhabitable due to storm damage.
Chief Commissioner Patten described the thefts as “a real dog’s act”.
“What type of person goes and knocks off generators and breaks into houses that are vacant because of storm damage? It’s just disgusting,” he told 3AW presenter Neil Mitchell.
“It’s disgusting. It’s a real dog’s act – that’s the only way I can describe it,” he said.
The offending is said to have taken place over a 10 day period following the severe storm on Wednesday 9 June, as residents continue to rely on generators for warmth and necessities while the power network is rebuilt.
Looters are said to have made off with alcohol, jewellery and alcohol from vacant properties.
“Where is the humanity in anyone who would actually do something like that,” Mr Patten said.
The Chief Commissioner warned that magistrates often take into account how “abhorrent” the circumstances of the offending are in sentencing.
Police are now conducting additional patrols in the area, tasked with keeping an eye on vacant properties.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
