Flood victims fearful of looters

Police provide active patrols in the flood areas.

Afraa Kori

Victoria Police is investigating a burglary at a Maribyrnong property on a Monday morning.

A man entered a flood-hit home and stole items worth $15,000 before fleeing the scene with another two men.

Speaking at the State Control Centre earlier today, Emergency Management commissioner Andrew Crisp confirmed police were investigating the burglary.

He said he has seen this absolute worst behavior in a number of emergencies over many years.

“The situation is someone left, acting on advice to leave during the flood event and their home has been subsequently burgled.”

Maribyrnong council has expressed disappointment at reports of suspected looters in the area.

Mayor Anthony Tran said flooding disasters have brought the worst in people and it’s more distressing for victims.

“We have a community who are going through the heartache of clearing flood contaminated materials from their properties. The last thing they need is people coming into the area trying to take what’s left,” he said.

“Let’s focus on the ways we are seeing our community come together – residents whose homes are safe who are turning up to help strangers with the clean-up, providing not just their time but their good will. This is what Maribyrnong is about.”