Looters target eight homes evacuated after chaotic landslide at McCrae

Looters have struck almost 10 homes that were evacuated after the chaotic landslide at McCrae on the Mornington Peninsula last month.

Looters have targeted eight homes evacuated after the McCrae landslide. Picture: ABC

Looters have targeted several homes in McCrae that had been evacuated following the devastating landslide on the Mornington Peninsula last month.

Detectives are investigating a series of burglaries at eight empty properties along Point Nepean Road in the early hours of Friday morning.

The properties were all empty with homeowners forced to evacuate following the major landslide on January 14.

The landslide destroyed a luxury beachside home, sending it plunging 50m down the cliffs into two other properties.

A number of the vacant homes had their doors kicked in and windows smashed before the crooks made their move.

They are understood to have nicked several items from eight homes within the exclusion zone.

A Victoria Police surveillance camera had to be pulled from the area in recent days, prompting the local council to hire private security.

They have been patrolling the site for the past week but could not prevent Friday morning’s outcome.

One home came crashing down toward Point Nepean Rd last month. Picture: Ian Currie

One council worker was injured. Picture: SES

Police cameras were installed nearby to monitor for looters. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Police believe thieves broke into the homes just after 3.30am on Friday, and are currently ascertaining what was stolen during the alleged burglaries.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Mayor Anthony Marsh said it was “incredibly disappointing”.

He said there was “no reason” windows needed to be smashed with no residents occupying the homes.

“This is society at its lowest,” he told 3AW’s Jacqui Felgate on Friday afternoon.

“The people that do this know when to sneak in, and where.

“They obviously broke the door to get in but there’s no reason to smash a couple of the windows but they thought it was a great idea.

“It’s shocking... It’s quite sickening.”

Residents are slowly being given the all clear to return home. Picture: Ian Currie

The state government have also launched an inquiry. Picture: Wayne Taylor

In more positive news for McCrae residents, eight homes that were evacuated are now able to be accessed.

It is still too unsafe for residents of 11 other homes to return.

“That’s a massive step for them,” he added.

“They’re really excited.”

The state government last week announced an independent inquiry into last month’s landslide.

They will work to determine what caused the landslide and whether it could have been avoided.

Anyone who witnessed Friday’s incident or has information that could assist the ongoing investigation is urged to contact crime stoppers.