An elderly couple have returned from holidaying to find prized heirlooms, a BMW and a collection of curiously mundane household items had been stolen from their Victorian home between July 16 and 30.
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Buninyong man Alistair Stewart said the stolen car had clocked up more than $100 worth of Melbourne toll-road fees while the couple were on holiday.
"I told Linkt that was impossible, as we were in New South Wales at the time," Mr Stewart said.
"But it turns out the car was detected and had false plates," he said. Police believe the stolen car could have plates that read ARB069.
World War II medals and a soldier's uniform belonging to Mr Stewarts' father were also taken from the home.
"I'm a member of the Buninyong RSL and wear those medals on Anzac Day every year," he said.
Mr Stewart said some of the medals had service numbers and he hoped they could be tracked back to his father.
The alleged thieves cleared the home of valuables like paintings, jewellery and crystal glassware but also pocketed more mundane items.
"Golf trousers, my wife's beautiful suits, other clothing, pewter trophies, computers, crockery - even the salt and pepper shakers," he said.
Mr Stewart's wife Felicity said the list of missing or damaged items was extensive - including everything from a rack of frozen lamb, plastic bags, garden gloves, sticky notes and a 1950s tin containing biscuits to Driza-bone coats, a valuable Hans Heysen painting and bar fridge full of bait.
"You could not hide anything from these people. They've gotten into the roof, the toilet (cistern) and garage," Mr Stewart said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Mr Stewart and police agree that the thieves would have made multiple visits to take the enormous haul.
"They even stacked things up ready to take away on their next visit," he said.
"This place will be like Alcatraz if they ever come back. They won't even get in."
The Buninyong couple are still living in their caravan more than a week after coming home to the burglary.
Anyone with information or who witnessed suspicious activity in the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au