By Brendan Rees
A distraught Cranbourne family is desperate for the return of a mobile phone that contains precious photos of their father who died recently.
Ryan Stokes says his mother in-law had left her Samsung Galaxy S9 on a seat outside Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre while waiting for a taxi between 3.30pm and 4pm on Monday 1 July.
He said the phone contained “irreplaceable photos and memories” of his father-in-law, including contacts needed to organise the funeral.
“We just need the phone back,” he pleaded on social media.
He urged anyone who found the phone, which has a green flip cover, to contact Cranbourne Police.
“There’s not going to be any charges laid if I get the phone back in one piece and everything is still on it.
“They can have the phone back. I don’t care … we just need the phone back.”
He said his mother-in-law had insured the phone which she has since replaced.
Mr Stokes, who is in the process of checking CCTV at the centre, says he wasn’t confident of the phone’s return.
“I don’t care about they’ve taken it; I just need all the content on it,” he said.
He added he had been overwhelmed with the public response so far.
“It’s been incredible.
“I need all the help I can get.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Cranbourne police on 5991 0600, or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
