Carrum Downs home ready for Menzies charity auction hit by ‘heartless crook’
The Frankston community has been urged to dob in the “low life” who stole from a home set to be auctioned for a children’s charity.
South East
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A children’s charity is calling for the “heartless crook” who robbed a house about to be auctioned as a fundraiser to hand themselves in.
The Carrum Downs property was set to go under the hammer on Saturday with the proceeds to be used by Menzies Caring for Kids to support children across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
Frankston Crime Investigation Unit First Constable Tomas Bischof said staging artwork, linen, lamps and soft furnishings were stolen during the robbery, which happened sometime between May 20 and 26.
Constable Bischof said investigators believed the offender had gained access to a garage at the Sky Way property and loaded the stolen items into a vehicle before leaving.
Menzies president Kevin Johnson said the 150 year old charity was “disappointed” by the break-in and determined not to let it stop the auction being a success.
“To break in to a house that is clearly signposted as being sold for charity is just awful,” Mr Johnson said.
“I would like to see these people caught, or better yet, hand themselves in.”
Constable Bischof said he hoped the offender was “ashamed of themselves for stealing from a charitable organisation that is trying to provide for young children in need of help on the peninsula”.
“Someone out there must know the person who did this low act and I hope they dob them in for their actions,” he said.
“If anyone saw any suspicious vehicles in the area, we urge them to come forward
Constable Bischof said about $5000 worth of items were stolen and minor damage was caused to the Sky Way house.
Mr Johnson said the damage had already been repaired and the house was “looking fantastic again” for the auction.
“This is the second house we’ve sold to raise funds,” he said.
“Last year we sold a house in Langwarrin for $600,000.”
The charity received the profits minus the cost of the land.
“We ended up with $300,000.”
Mr Johnson said the vital fundraiser would not be possible without the support of Mainline Developments, Brewsters Property Group and OBrien Real Estate, Carrum Downs.
Anyone who witnessed the burglary, has vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report online.
