By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A NARRE Warren South man has spoken of his devastation after his late father’s war medals were stolen during the long weekend.
Rodney Bentvelzen has made a public plea for the burglars to return the medals that belonged to his dad, Henk, after the thieves ransacked Rodney’s Littlecroft Avenue home between 2pm and 4pm on Monday 8 June, fleeing with a blue canvas case containing the five Dutch Navy medals.
They also stole his father’s navy uniform and cap and an album of war photographs.
“They mean everything, they’re an heirloom to hand down to my children and my grandchildren,” Mr Bentvelzen told a media throng on Thursday.
“My dad’s dying wishes were for the medals and the suit to be on top of the coffin and before the coffin was lowered that I was to pack them away and hand them down to my children so they could walk in Anzac parades with them.”
Mr Bentvelzen said he must have disturbed the thieves when he returned home about 4pm on Monday, but he didn’t realise anything was missing until later that evening.
“It’s a huge shock because I don’t know what sort of person would want to walk in to somebody else’s property and take things,” he said.
“I’ve always learned that whatever you have, you work for.”
Senior Constable Stephen Laughlin said he believed the bag with the medals was stolen without the thieves realising what was inside.
“They’ve entered the premises, obviously to look for valuable items, and in the process of ransacking the house have located this bag,” he said.
“Police don’t believe that they know or knew at the time what was in the bag and obviously they’re of no value to them, but obviously of great value to Rodney and his family.”
Sen Const Laughlin said police were treating the burglary as a random incident, with the thieves forcing entry to the house through a locked laundry door.
“Police are appealing to the offenders if they can find it in their heart to return the items to Rodney,” he said.
“These are sentimental items and he would like them back.”
Henk Bentvelzen was a petty officer in the Dutch Navy during World War II and was awarded the medals for his service.
“They mean a lot and they’re the only memorabilia I have of my father and they’re the only memorabilia my children will have of their grandfather,” Mr Bentvelzen said.
“So please return them.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
