Bells theft - police call for help

Police are calling for public assistance after the Harmony Bells in the Cowes Town Square were stolen last weekend.

Senior Sergeant Andy O’Brien said the exact time of the theft was unknown, but it’s believed they were stolen between late Friday, July 9 and early Monday morning (July 12).

“We are seeking witnesses and any CCTV footage from surrounding businesses,” Snr Sergeant O’Brien said.

“These bells weighed 100 kilograms each, so the thieves would have needed a ute or trailer to take them away.

“If you noticed anything at all, please contact CrimeStoppers.”

The police estimate at least two or three people were involved in the operation, which they say was pre-planned.

It’s believed the thieves used an angle grinder to cut through the poles and then pushed the bells into a wheelbarrow or some kind of carrier before moving them to a waiting vehicle, which could have been parked in the Transit Centre or on Thompson Avenue.

Police also hope the community can help narrow down the time of the theft and are asking if anyone remembers seeing the bells in the square on Saturday or Sunday.

They believe the theft was well planned and the bronze bells will be sold as scrap metal.

Bronze is worth around $12 per kilo, which means the four bells could fetch up to $4800.

Spate of thefts

Snr Sergeant O’Brien said there were also two thefts over the weekend at the Cowes Industrial Estate.

While there is nothing linking the three incidents, police say there are similarities.

The two thefts in the Industrial Estate were at neighbouring properties.

At one, like at the town square, an angle grinder was used, cutting through the locks on shipping containers.

At the adjoining site, bolt cutters were used to cut through the fence and the locks of a warehouse, shipping containers and a metal cool room.

Tools and toolboxes were stolen.

The industrial estate break ins happened sometime between 4pm on Saturday (July 10) and Monday morning.

Police are again appealing to the community for information, 

“These incidents could be related, so information on any of them could help us with them all,” Snr Sergeant O’Brien said.

"If you noticed anything unusual around either of these locations, please let us know."

Anyone with information please contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au