‘They’re bloody cowards’: World War II veteran’s medals and uniform stolen from Buninyong home
“Coward” thieves have stolen the medals and uniform of a World War II veteran from his son’s Buninyong property.
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The victim of a burglary in central Victoria has called thieves who took his late father’s World War II medals “the lowest you can ever get”.
Buninyong man Alistair Stewart, 74, said “bloody cowards” took medals and a soldier’s uniform belonging to his Digger father, as well as a BMW sedan, paperwork including birth and marriage certificates, artwork and jewellery.
They even made off with a cake tin and salt and pepper shakers.
“They looked everywhere in the house,” Mr Stewart said.
“They’re quite professional.
“They didn’t do this in one day.”
But it was the theft of his father’s medals that hurt the most, he said.
His father, Andrew Hughes Stewart, was born in Melbourne and fought in North Africa and Syria in 1940.
He then served in New Guinea, where he caught malaria and was discharged.
He died in 1970 aged 57.
His son Alistair was close to being called up to fight in the Vietnam War, but dislocated his ankle playing football in 1969.
“I’m ashamed to think these have been stolen,” Mr Stewart said.
“It’s just devastating that they would take something like that.
“You keep these things for your grandchildren, and they took it all.
“It’s just beyond belief. It’s beyond the pale.”
His BMW has since been seen near Toorak Rd bearing stolen number plate ARB069.
Detectives believe the offenders attended the home on several occasions to complete the burglary.
“We’ll get through this and we’ll beat these bastards because they’re just cowards,” Mr Stewart said.
“These people are the lowest you can ever get.”
Police on Wednesday called for public assistance in recovering items stolen from the Scott St property between July 16 and July 30.
Anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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