NOVEMBER 21, 2017 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
Boot loot brought to heel By Laura Michell A room piled high with work boots and shoes – believed to be thousands of pairs stolen from houses across the northern suburbs in the past six years – has been uncovered by police. Whittlesea police uncovered the haul during a search of a Mernda house last week. The pile comprised more than 2000 pairs of work boots and sneakers. A Mernda man, 43, was arrested at his Falkirk Drive home on November 13 after police executed a search warrant at the property. Victoria Police spokeswoman Leonie Johnson said the man had been charged with theft and handling stolen goods. The discovery follows a police appeal in September after several reports were made about shoes being stolen in the Mernda area. The appeal gained prominence on social media, with residents contacting Crime Stoppers with information. “It is alleged the shoes were taken from the front doors of homes in the Doreen, Mernda, Watsonia North and Craigieburn areas over the past six years,” Ms Johnson said. Anyone whose shoes were stolen will have a chance to be reunited with their footwear, with police vowing to make the haul available for identification by the public at a later date. Residents have taken to social media in recent days thanking police for catching the alleged thief, with many saying they felt safe to resume leaving their shoes outside their houses again. The man has been bailed to appear at Heidelberg magistrates court on April 13, 2018. Police are asking anyone with further information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppers.com.au
(Joe Mastroianni)
Adoption, the cat’s whiskers This bundle of fur is among 200 cats searching for a new home. RSPCA Victoria is attempting to find forever homes for 200 cats to make room at its shelters. The animal welfare organisation is expecting thousands of homeless kittens to arrive at its shelters in coming months, with cats able to breed up to five litters during spring, summer and autumn. In the past financial year, 4000 kittens arived at the RSPCA, with most of the animals arriving between November and April. To encourage as many people as possible to adopt a cat, the RSPCA will reduce adoption fees from $120 to $39 from Thursday, November 23, until Sunday, November 26. Kittens under four months old will still cost $195. Every cat available for adoption has been desexed, microchipped and vaccinated and had veterinary checks. Cats will be available for adoption at the Epping Animal Welfare Facility, 20 Companion Place, and Sunbury Petbarn, 17 Horne Street. Details: rspcavic.org/adoption NELL FROM PET BARN WITH CAT MIMMI
Laura Michell
The pile of stolen shoes and work boots. (Supplied)
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