Collectable sneakers worth more than $20,000 have been stolen from a vacant Warrnambool home while the residents were away during the festive season holidays.
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Warrnambool police crime investigation unit detectives are requesting information from the public in relation to two burglaries of unoccupied Warrnambool homes.
They also asked residents to take a neighbourly approach and keep an eye on vacant houses while the occupants were away.
Detective Senior Constable Joe Fisher said between 10am on Friday, January 1, and 10am the following day the home in Cherlin Drive was broken into and raided.
He said the occupants were away in Melbourne attending to family business at that time.
"When they returned 120 pairs of Nike sneakers had been stolen," he said.
"They are collectables and have been very conservatively valued at $20,000.
"They could be worth a lot more. Top range sneakers have become collectables and this was a significant collection."
The investigator said jewellery of high sentimental value was removed from the home, including bracelets, earrings and diamonds.
The estimate of the value of the goods stolen is up to $30,000.
In the other burglary, a unique Ballarat Loreto College sterling silver graduation ring was among items stolen during a break-in at a vacant Warrnambool home at the eastern end of Koroit Street in Warrnambool.
Detective Senior Constable Wayne Ryan said the burglary was committed some time between mid afternoon on Sunday, December 26, and late afternoon on New Year's eve, Friday, December 31.
A house was broken into while the residents were away visiting family during the holidays.
It's not known how entry was gained, but offenders ransacked the home taking a Nintendo DS and games, $1200 in cash, Apple earphones, various items jewellery and perfume and the Loreto College sterling silver ring which has a crest logo.
"It's a very unique ring and is highly recognisable," Detective Senior Constable Ryan said.
"The total value of the goods stolen is about $3500.
"Police canvassed neighbours to find out if they had seen or heard anything but there were a number of people not at home.
"We're asking for anyone with any information to contact the CIU at the Warrnambool police station on 5560 1333."
The detectives requested that anyone on social media, such as a buy, swap, sell website, who had seen items similar to those stolen being offered for sale, to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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