Boys caught on camera stealing tribute cricket bat

Three boys have sparked outrage online after stealing a cricket bat meant to honour Ben Austin, the 17-year-old cricketer who died tragically after being struck by a ball. Watch the video.

CCTV footage has captured the moment three boys stole a cricket bat left outside a Geelong home as part of a tribute to teenage cricketer Ben Austin.

17-year-old Austin was struck in the neck by a cricket ball thrown by a side-arm mechanism during a training session in Melbourne’s east on October 28.

He was taken to hospital but died two days later, on October 30.

Ben Austin young cricketer killed in nets accident

In the days following his death, residents across the region have placed cricket bats outside their homes under the Bats Out for Ben tribute – a gesture of respect and solidarity for the young player and his family.

On October 31, about 6.25pm, CCTV footage from a Geelong home captured three boys approaching a house where an orange cricket bat was displayed.

One of the boys carried a shovel and a bag, while another ran to the front door, snatched the bat, and bolted.

Audio from the recording reportedly captured the boys shouting, “oi, grab it!” and “run … they’re looking at us.”

CCTV footage has captured the moment three boys stole a cricket bat left outside a Geelong home as part of a tribute to teenage cricketer Ben Austin. Picture: Facebook

The homeowner later shared the footage publicly on Facebook, writing: “When you leave your son’s cricket bat out the front to show respect for a young teenager who tragically passed away – and then it gets stolen.”

“If you know these kids, please have a word with them about respect. Some lessons are more important than possessions.”

The post sparked online community outrage, with locals reporting other acts of vandalism nearby that same evening.

One wrote the boys “caused a bit of havoc tonight”, while another said their Halloween pumpkin had been stolen and smashed.

It is understood the stolen orange bat was later spotted discarded on a Boundary Rd nature strip near a white shovel.

Flowers and tributes have been laid in memory of Ben Austin a young Cricketer who was killed by a ball during training at Ferntree Gully. Friday, October 31. 2025. Picture: David Crosling

Meanwhile, tributes for Austin continue.

A joint fundraiser launched by Ferntree Gully Cricket Club and Waverley Park Hawks Junior Football Club has raised more than $169,000 to support the Austin family, while local teams have worn black armbands and held a minute of silence in his honour.

Originally published as Boys caught on camera stealing tribute cricket bat