Donated vehicle stolen and dumped in river

By Emily Donohoe

Dec 23, 2024

Police are urging witnesses to report any information they have following a car theft and dumping on the morning of Saturday, December 21. Photo: Supplied.

Rochester police officers are appealing for witnesses after a car was stolen and dumped on Saturday, December 21.

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A black Kia was stolen from Rochester in the early hours of Saturday before being vandalised with pink spray paint and driven recklessly around the region.

Multiple gates at rural properties were rammed, as well as the Rochester Motorsports Complex on Quarry Rd.

Police have footage of the vehicle being driven on Bridge Rd about 6am and they allege it was then dumped into the Campaspe River at 6.12am.

They believe the offenders fled on foot, likely via Mackay St.

The vehicle was a donation to Rochester VICSES from local Brooke Hewett, who felt the service could use it for training after she and her family no longer needed it.

“I didn’t just want to scrap it, I wanted to donate it to the SES for training that can save lives and benefit our community,” she said.

“I am upset that this has been the outcome for something that I worked so hard for and sacrificed so much for in order for my family to have it.

“I am deeply saddened by the missed opportunity to our SES and community to benefit from what the hands-on training on my vehicle could have offered.”

Senior Constable John Roberts has urged witnesses to reach out to Rochester police by phoning 5484 1100.

Information can also be reported anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via report.crimestoppersvic.com.au