Daily London
The woman’s brother attended the property, on Stevenson Street in Kew, on December 28 and noticed the front door was off its hinges and the home ransacked.
It’s believed unknown offenders attended the property several times and stole paintings, jewellery, and other property worth more than $400,000.
The thefts are believed to have taken place between December 24, 2024, and December 28, 2025, while the victim was away for an extended period.
Some of the stolen items include a John Perceval “Sunflowers” painting worth more than $75,000; three Cris Canning paintings worth between $30,000 and $50,000 apiece; two antique Chinese paintings worth more than $10,000 each; and a pearl strand worth more than $50,000.
The thief or thieves also stole household items including vacuums and tools, along with what police described as a “substantial” wine collection.
Police are appealing for anybody who may have noticed suspicious activity in the area, or who recognises any of the items, to come forward.
“This incident has been extremely distressing and had considerable impact on the victim,” Detective Sergeant Warren Atkinson said.
“The list of items stolen is excessive, well above $400,000, however we’re unable to estimate a value of several of these items so it is expected the actual accumulative amount is much higher.”
He said some items had strong sentimental value as well, including a sculpture the victim bought about 50 years ago in Germany.
“We believe the offender/s have identified that the victim has not been at this property for some time and has taken this as an opportunity to revisit the premises again and again,” Atkinson said.
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