There’s been a devastating end to the search for a stolen 1979 Holden Kingswood after it was found burnt out in the Yarra Ranges overnight.
Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance after a classic 1979 Holden Kingswood was stolen from a home in Pakenham last week.
A classic 1979 Holden Kingswood, stolen from a home in Pakenham last week, has been found burnt out in Menzies Creek overnight.
The heartbroken elderly owner of the Holden pleaded for its return on Tuesday, but the car has sadly been found destroyed.
A member of the public saw a car on fire near parklands near Lake Aura Vale and called triple-zero about 11.30pm Tuesday.
Emergency services attended the scene and put out the fire.
Officers who attended identified the vehicle as being the sentimental Holden.
Police have seized the car which will now undergo forensic testing.
Ross Costa, 84, who is recovering from lymphoma and battling Parkinson’s disease, was dealt another blow when his beloved car was stolen from a shed at his Army Rd Pakenham home last week.
Mr Costa had been staying with his son Alf when the theft occurred with a neighbour letting him know his car had been taken.
“It breaks my heart, I can’t accept it,” he said.
Mr Costa said the car had a flat battery and had not been driven for some time so he was unsure how the thieves took off with it.
The classic car.
A stolen Holden has been found burnt out in Menzies Creek. Picture: Clematis Fire Brigade
He said he had the best memories with the car, which he has owned since 1979, including taking it on family trips interstate.
“It never let me down,” he said.
“It has given me so much pleasure.”
He said he just wanted whoever took it to leave it on the side of the road somewhere, no questions asked.
Alf said his dad had been quite unwell and the car theft was the last thing he needed.
“At this stage of his life these type of things are not necessary,” he said.
Alf and Ross Costa, 84, who is recovering from lymphoma and battling Parkinson’s disease, had his beloved car stolen from a shed at his Pakenham property last week.
Glen Waverley Senior Constable Tanya van Praag said the theft was a gutless act.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Police believe offenders gained access to the home via a window on Friday, September, 15 about 5am, and stole the car, a blue station wagon with Victorian registration plates ALO 457.
It is believed the Kingswood has been sighted by members of the public in the Drouin and Warragul areas.
Anyone with information or CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or ma