Epping police attempt to return thousands of work boots, sneakers to owners

THESE boots were made for working, but more than 2000 pairs haven’t seen a worksite in years after being pinched by an alleged shoe thief.

THESE boots were made for working, but more than 2000 pairs haven’t seen a worksite in years thanks to an alleged shoe thief.

Mill Park police had their hands tied up today as they attempted to reunite the shoes with their rightful owners.

It’s alleged the work boots and sneakers were taken from front doorsteps of homes in the Doreen, Mernda, Watsonia North and Craigieburn areas over the past six years.

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Luke O'Reilly tries on a pair of the more than 2000 shoes recently recovered by Mill Park police. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

First Constable James Gardiner said investigators discovered the collection “stacked high” inside a Mernda home in November last year.

Const. Gardiner could not divulge the motives behind the bizarre theft but said he’d never seen anything like it during his six years on the force.

Sole searches scoured the Epping Memorial Hall where officers had lined up all 2,416 pairs of shoes for inspection.

Parker Burns was hopeful of finding his missing boots. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Luke O’Reilly said he was hoping for a Cinderella moment as he tried to find his stolen footwear.

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“I was spewing when they got stolen last year,” Mr O’Reilly said. “I’m hoping they’re here somewhere,” he said.

A 43-year-old was charged with theft and handle stolen and was bailed to appear in Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on 13 April.

All unclaimed shoes are expected to be donated to charity.

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