LOOTERS STRIKE TASMANIAN TOWN AFTER BUSHFIRE: Thieves Target Vulnerable Residents, Stealing Sentimental Items and Scrap Metal
- Dolphin Sands residents report theft of metal parts and sentimental items from properties ravaged by bushfire
- Premier Jeremy Rockliff slams looting as “disgraceful” and “disgusting behaviour”
- Police investigations continue as community rallies around affected residents
In a shocking display of opportunism, looters have descended upon the Tasmanian town of Dolphin Sands, targeting vulnerable residents who have already lost so much in the devastating bushfires that swept through the area earlier this month.
Paul Walker, a resident of Dolphin Sands, was left reeling when he discovered that thieves had stolen a front panel from his log burner, as well as two jerry cans of diesel provided by his insurance company. The panel, which was imported from France, held great sentimental value to Mr Walker, who had managed to retrieve it from the rubble of his destroyed outbuilding.
“I expect they’re surveying the entire area where things have been fire-damaged and taking advantage of that,” Mr Walker said, his voice laced with frustration and disappointment. “As if people here haven’t been through enough.”
The looting has left the community reeling, with several residents taking to social media to report similar incidents. One resident even posted about seeing a suspicious person inspecting the ruins of a burnt-out house.
Despite the challenges, the community has come together to support those affected by the looting. “The vast majority of people have been very supportive and very helpful, and that also includes the insurers and the state government,” Mr Walker said.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff was quick to condemn the looting, describing it as “disgraceful” and “disgusting behaviour”. “What we’re allegedly seeing is people taking advantage of other people and their very vulnerable situation,” he said. “That is not the Tasmanian way.”
Tasmania Police has confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with reports of a suspicious vehicle seen in the area around the time of the looting. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward and help bring the perpetrators to justice.