It’s a big pignapping

By Kath Gannaway
Lily and her green mate Dale, who have become popular mascots of the Melba Highway over the past few years, have been targeted by thieves before, and Mr Lusk says it has become a costly exercise to keep replacing them.
The original Lily was stolen on Christmas Eve in 2010 and Dale was stolen in November last year.
“We dress them up for special events like the racing carnival and Christmas, and we get lots of email from people who drive past regularly saying they are hanging out to see what they’ll be wearing next.
“It’s just a bit of fun, and something to get away from the everyday pressures of life, so it’s pretty disappointing when this sort of thing keeps happening,” Mr Lusk said.
Both were replaced at a cost of $550 each, but on Monday night, 9 January, thieves cut through the wire fence and stole Lily.
Mr Lusk said she was stolen between 12.30am and 5am.
“They are suspended from a pole high enough so they can’t be reached from ground level, so we think they probably stood on the back of a vehicle,” Mr Lusk said.
Yarra Glen Police are investigating the thefts.
“The pigs are somewhat of a local icon, and this has now become a costly exercise for Lilydale Instant Turf,” Sen Const Paul Roberts said.
“It may be seen as some form of a prank, but the offenders would be looking at theft charges,” he said.
Mr Lusk has appealed to the perpetrators to “do the right thing” and return Lily.
Sen Const Roberts is appealing for any information, including sightings of vehicles in the area between 12.30am and 5am, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or phone Yarra Glen Police Station on 9730 1296.