By JESSE GRAHAM
THE WARBURTON community remains mystified as to why four steel bollards were stolen earlier this year, and people with information are being asked to come forward.
In June, four steel bollards featuring cut-out images of animals were stolen from Thomas Avenue in Warburton.
The steel bollards had light-fittings inside, meaning they illuminated paths after dark, and were elaborately designed by a Yarra Glen artist, commissioned by the Yarra Ranges Council.
Jeff Gill from the Warburton Advancement League said the bollards, believed to have been installed in 2010, looked “great”, and that stealing them would have been an effort for the thief.
“Someone has gone to a lot of trouble to get them out,” Mr Gill said.
“(They were) bolted onto the light fixture and cemented into the ground.
“I reckon they’re going to go to a market or be sold in some way.”
Warburton Police Senior Constable Tony Pagels told the Mail last week that the bollards were worth about $2000 apiece, with four installed in the area where they were stolen.
Residents have since contacted the Mail with photographs of similar-looking bollards around the town.
The Mail contacted the Yarra Ranges Council to ask how many bollards similar to those stolen had been erected around the town, but a spokesperson was unable to immediately confirm the number.
The spokesperson told the Mail that four bollards had been stolen, with images of a bat, a frog, an eagle and a platypus on them.
The Thomas Avenue bollards featured images of native birds and animals, and were “distinctive”, according to Sen Const Pagels.
“They are so distinctive, someone will see them somewhere and hopefully dob them in,” he said.
Snr Const Pagels said that removing the bollards would have required a grinder or other machinery, in order to cut the steel from its ballast.
Anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity or who has information on the stolen bollards is asked to call Warburton Police on 5966 2006 or to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
