Rodger, the fire-ready mannequin, is missing from outside Emerald Community House.
By Tania Martin
A FIRE-READY mannequin last week became the latest statistic in Emerald’s battle against crime.
Known as Rodger, the doll, dressed in full firefighting gear, was stolen soon after 9.30pm on Tuesday 9 February from outside the community centre, despite being chained to a pole.
His owner, Ambrose von Erkel of Fire Ready, had just finished holding a bushfire preparation presentation when thieves made off with his mascot, valued at more than $1000.
“Rodger represents a lot of money to us … he was taken so brazenly when people where still coming and going,” Mr von Erkel said.
This latest theft comes as local traders called for a bigger police presence in the town.
The Mail reported in last week’s front-page story – Traders fed up – how shop owners believed hills youths were flouting the law because they knew they could get away with it.
Traders said the spike in crime started last month with an ATM robbery at the Paradise Hotel, followed by the town’s DVD shop heist that saw more than 200 rental video games stolen.
Emerald’s Greenroom cafe was broken into several days later and its cash register was stolen but later recovered.
Mr von Erkel was shocked to discover Rodger had become the latest statistic in the crime spree.
He had kept the hall open after the presentation for people to discuss their fire preparation needs.
Mr von Erkel said he had noticed a group of youths gathering a few metres away from the mannequin near a bus stop.
“One of them came in to have a look at the product, he looked out the window and said he had to go,” he said.
“They had bolted and two minutes later I went outside and they had taken him (Rodger). It was a co-ordinated effort.”
Emerald Community House co-ordinator, Mary Farrow, witnessed the whole incident.
She said youths were gathered at the bus stop and a number of cars parked in front of the National Australia Bank and chemist.
Ms Farrow was concerned that the group would try to steal the flags from outside the community house.
She said it had happened at a time when there where no police around.
Pakenham CIU is investigating the mannequin’s disappearance. Any one who may have seen or heard anything should contact Pakenham Police on 5945 2500 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
