Ray and Leslie Routledge with their cat ‘Oscar’
Bruce Hunt        www.communitypix.com.au d464191
Camera IconRay and Leslie Routledge with their cat ‘Oscar’ Bruce Hunt        www.communitypix.com.au d464191 Credit: Supplied/Bruce Hunt        www.communitypix.com.au d464191

Looters rob couple after fire destroys home

Mark DonaldsonWanneroo Times

Among the items were family heirlooms and a wedding photo album.

Leslie and Ray Routledge are understandably dispirited.

The couple, their great grandson and their cat Oscar were lucky to escape unharmed from the December 7 fire, which was reported just before 1pm on Hawker Avenue.

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What followed just under a month later, some time between 4.30pm January 5 and 1.30pm January 6, only compounded the stress of the experience.

“It (the fire) was horrible; but when looters come in and take what you’ve got left – that stinks,” Mrs Routledge bemoaned.

“All the stuff was being stored in the garage because the garage didn’t burn down.

“They jemmied the back roller door and took all the good stuff that was packed.”

Mrs Routledge said the “really sad bit” was the theft of irreplaceable items that had been passed down through generations.

Goods such as antique china and figurines her great grandmother had owned.

Mrs Routledge had added to the collection over the years.

“Even our wedding album they took for some reason.”

A local resident wanted the thefts publicised in the hope someone may see the items on Gumtree or another used goods source.

Police confirmed they were investigating the burglary.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.