Thief defecates at Frankston house after stealing World War II medals
A Frankston army veteran whose medals were stolen by a vile thief had been in hospital just days before the $30,000 heist. And the victim’s son says the burglar’s insulting act after defecating at the scene left him even more disgusted.
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An elderly Frankston army veteran had been in hospital days before his house was ransacked and medals stolen, his son has revealed.
Michael Knight, 91, was left heartbroken when he returned to his Margate Ave property following a stint in hospital where he was treated for a respiratory condition to find tens of thousands of dollars worth of treasured items and cash gone.
Mr Knight was devastated to discover his medals — including a citation medal, framed MBE certificate signed by the Queen and a 1969 South Pacific Games commemorative medal — were gone as well as his late brother John’s World War II medals.
The heartless thief also took jewellery belonging to Mr Knight’s wife, who lives in 24 hour care.
Mr Knight had returned to his home after staying at his son Glenn’s place in Patterson Lakes following his release from hospital.
“Dad served for 25 years and has always been very independent … he means the world to me,” Glenn told the Leader.
“He’d been really sick and gone downhill so we took him up to our place to rest.
“He came back and the house had been robbed.”
Mr Knight said his father had been “doing it tough” over the past five years, with multiple visits to hospital as well as the relocation of his beloved wife into care.
He said he was “disgusted” after the burglar defecated outside the house and used his father’s clothes to wipe themselves.
“They used his clothes to wipe themselves up … it’s disgusting,” Mr Knight said.
Frankston detective Senior Constable Chris Fidler said $30,000 worth of treasured items and cash had been taken from the property.
It is believed the offenders jumped over Mr Knight’s back fence and forced entry through the back door.
“Some of the items might not be worth of anything to the offender but they are sentimental to the owner,” Mr Fidler said.
“It’s disgusting to think someone would do this in the first place let alone leave evidence of that nature.”
He said police would monitor second hand selling platforms and second hand dealers.
Police are yet to confirm if it was a targeted attack.
Mr Knight joined the army when he was 16 years old in 1946 and was heavily involved in the military bands.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the burglary occurred sometime between 5pm on July 8 and 5pm on July 10.
“Detectives are investigating after nine war medals were stolen during a burglary in Frankston last week,” she said.
“The victim, a 91-year-old man, returned home and discovered it had been ransacked with nine World War II medals stolen, including MBE and Citation medals.
“It is believed a substantial amount of cash, jewellery, an army uniform, and other items were also stolen during the incident.”
Mr Knight pleaded for the thief to come forward and return his father’s belongings.
“Please have a heart and think about what you’ve done to a very old and sick person,” he said.
“He’s been through the ringer the past five years … please come forward.”
Police were appealing for anyone with information or anyone who comes across the medals to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
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