By Brendan Rees
Tradie John Zahra had more than $1000 worth of equipment allegedly stolen and is now appealing to the public to help track down the heartless thieves.
Mr Zahra said he had carried out a job of cleaning carpet that was flooded at a work site in Mayday Crescent, Cranbourne West on Sunday 26 August.
He said he was called to help soak up the water after intruders had broken into the property four days earlier and turned on taps to flood the premises.
After finishing, Mr Zahra left five air movers at the site to allow the carpet to dry for four days.
But when he returned on Wednesday 29 August to check if the carpet was dry he found three of the dryers missing.
According to Mr Zahra, he believes it may have been the same intruders who came again “just to steal” his equipment.
“The rear door to the garage was smashed to get into and then the door from the garage to get into the house was broken,” he said.
Mr Zahra has been operating his family business Zarz Carpet and Tile Cleaning with his son Chandler and wife for 23 years and said he was gutted by the theft.
“It’s just a shame guys like me go out there try to earn an honest living and have to be disappointed with people who steal tools,” he said.
“That’s my first disappointed in 23 years of running the business – so that’s a pretty good run.
“We’ve been very fortunate – it is stock I can replenish, it’s just a shame I’ve got to do that off my own bat,” he added.
Cranbourne police are investigating. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
