The extraordinary efforts of the Victorians during the flood crisis should outweigh the bad behavior of a few people as police investigate looting in water-ravaged Mariveenon, the Prime Minister says.
Police are looking for the three men after a blue Ford Territory pulled up outside the Burton Crescent home in Mariveenon around 7 a.m. on Monday and the man went inside and stole several items.
He was wearing high-visibility clothing, a beanie, and a face covering at the time.The other two men remained in the vehicle during the robbery, police said.
According to Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp, the residents of the house acted on advice during the flood.
Prime Minister Daniel Andrews said the Victorian spirit had been at its best during a difficult time when people were looking out for each other and doing “very extraordinary” things, but withheld information about the looting. He urged anyone who had it to contact the police.
“Let the actions of very few people not hurt thousands upon thousands of people…[they]are the best among us and keep others safe,” said Andrews. I’m putting myself at risk for this,” he said.
Cleanup efforts in Mariveenon began on Saturday after about 60 residents on the low-lying tidal flats near Angler’s Tavern were displaced.
Crews are clearing debris, hard waste collection is set to begin Monday, and council-owned buildings, parks and sports fields are being evaluated.
Officials still don’t know the full flood damage statewide, as some communities remain a threat, but assessors have completed more than 500 road damage inspections to date.
Residents of Maribyrnong complain that a flood wall around Flemington Racecourse is causing property damage in the area.
Melbourne Water has not been given a deadline to report to the government on its investigation of the wall’s potential impacts.
