Blackburn: Police appeal after $250,000 handbag heist

A Blackburn woman who had $250,000 of designer handbags stolen from her home is heartbroken after the devastating theft.

A Blackburn woman says she is heartbroken after thieves ransacked her home and stole $250,000 worth of designer bags.

Nicky, who runs a Blackburn South florist, returned home about 10pm on August 3 to find her home had been broken into and every room ransacked.

She called police, who later learned 50 designer handbags were among the stolen items.

Speaking to Leader, Nicky said she had collected the handbags over the last 10-15 years and many were extremely rare, vintage items.

“I appreciate vintage handbags as fine arts,” she said.

Nicky said people had judged her online for having such a big collection of luxury bags, but she said she had worked hard to build up her collection over the years.

She said a lot of the bags had increased in value over time and she had also received some of the bags as gifts.

Nicky said a lot of her customers had shown her support since hearing about the theft, with one customer even dropping off chocolates.

“People here are very nice and they all know me, I’ve been here for years,” she said.

She said Blackburn was normally a safe neighbourhood, and warned other residents to be vigilant.

She also asked people considering buying bags online to be careful, and check the serial numbers.

On Thursday, detectives from the Whitehorse crime investigation unit issued a public appeal for assistance after there was no sign of the stolen goods.

“It’s believed the items were stolen sometime between 12pm and 10pm,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

Fifty designer handbags worth an estimated $250,000 were stolen from a home in Blackburn on August 3. Picture: Victoria Police

“The stolen items include 50 designer handbags worth an estimated $250,000.”

Fronting the media on Thursday September 1, lead investigator Detective Senior Constable Chris Maloney said the victim was “devastated”.

“The victim works hard and had built up her collection over a number of years,” he said.

“She’s invested a lot of money in these handbags, so she is of course devastated by the theft.”

Mr Maloney said it was unlikely the culprit was acting alone.

“Due to the quantity of the handbags, it is quite possible there is more than one offender, and most likely they required a motor vehicle to remove the items,” he said.

Mr Maloney said some of the handbags were vintage, and were predominantly from the luxury brand Chanel.

“The investigation is continuing, and we don’t have any evidence such as CCTV footage, so we are asking for public assistance,” he said.

Mr Maloney urged buyers in the market for designer handbags to be conscious of who they’re purchasing luxury goods from.

“Be aware of who you’re buying them from, and make sure they’re an authorised or reputable trader.”

Anyone with information had been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.