Police hunt for clues in Barbie burglary Tatura collector’s treasures taken
By Deanne Jeffers
IN A heist straight out of a toy collector’s nightmare, 150 rare Barbie dolls have been stolen from their “dream home” in Tatura.
Shepparton Police are investigating after unknown offenders forced entry to a William Street residence sometime between Thursday, December 5 and Wednesday, December 11, while the occupants were on holidays.
But the Barbies weren’t the only treasures taken. The thieves also made off with Elvis collectibles and a Jack Daniels-branded esky. However, it’s the Barbie collection – meticulously gathered over 12 years – that holds both sentimental and monetary value.
Released between 1970 and 2017, the iconic dolls remain in their original packaging, a testament to their collector’s dedication. While priceless to their owner, their combined value is estimated to exceed $15,000.
Some of the dolls are exceptionally rare, and police have released images of the stolen items in hope someone may be able to provide information as to their whereabouts.
“This collection is effectively priceless for the victim and almost impossible to replace,” Acting Detective Senior Constable Lance Wiltshire said at a media conference in Shepparton on Monday.
“It’s a horrible thing to come home and find your house invaded, let alone lose something you’ve spent years compiling,” he said. “The burglary is horrifying enough, but losing the Barbie collection has been devastating for the victim.”
Senior Constable Wiltshire said, “Ken-ough is Ken-ough,” and hopes that the community can assist in the return of the missing dolls. “We are really keen to get community assistance with this. We don’t have a lot to go on at this point, so we would love whatever information we can get,” Wiltshire said.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, especially on online platforms, where the thieves may attempt to sell these one-of-a-kind treasures. Wiltshire said doll collectors should be cautious of deals that seem “too good to be true” and report any unusual sales of vintage Barbie dolls to authorities for investigation.
“If you report something suspicious and it turns out to be legitimate, that’s fine. We’d rather have the option to investigate,” Wiltshire said. “If something seems unusual, like a sudden sale of a large number of vintage items, don’t hesistate to report it to the authorities.”
Anyone with information that can assist police in locating the Barbies is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
