By JESSE GRAHAM
A VAN stolen from a Lilydale charity over the weekend has been spotted repeatedly in Healesville, and police are urging the public to call Triple-zero if they spot it around town.
The van, a 2003 Toyota HiAce, was taken from Lilydale homelessness and poverty charity, Holy Fools, on Saturday 21 March, along with thousands of dollars in electronics and items from the group’s building.
An iMac computer, three printers, the building’s phone system, 11 backpack beds for homeless people, food and even the bin and the vacuum cleaner were taken from the Swansea Road building.
Lilydale police Leading Senior Constable Scott Papeneux told the Mail that the van had been spotted twice in Healesville today (Tuesday 24 March) and once yesterday.
Unfortunately, once police officers had made it to the area, the van – which has distinct branding on the front, back and sides – had already gone.
Leading Sen Const Papeneux said that many of the reports from people spotting the van were posted on Holy Fool’s Facebook page, and urged residents to call Triple-zero before posting, to ensure a quick police response.
Holy Fools chief executive Neal Taylor said he was disappointed that the thieves didn’t simply approach the business if they were in need of food, shelter or assistance.
“Initially, I was quite upset and angry, but now I’ve just come to accept it,” he said.
“It was a pity that these guys didn’t make an effort to either come to us or ask us for food – we would have helped them out as much as we could.
“It’s a shame that they felt they had to rob us to satisfy their own needs, and it’s going to affect so many other people as well.”
Mr Taylor said that, luckily, the business had insurance that should cover most of the lost items, but that the theft was still a major inconvenience.
“At least it’s a minor trip, not a complete setback.”
For the full story, see next week’s Mail.
