Residents of Dolphin Sands are reporting looting incidents in the aftermath of the devastating bushfire that recently destroyed 19 homes in the east coast community.
Several homeowners have discovered items and fuel stolen from their properties while they were temporarily away from their fire-damaged homes.
Resident Paul Walker returned after a 24-hour absence to find his property had been targeted.
“[Someone has] been into our place and into the neighbours’ either side, stealing large metal items indiscriminately – presumably for scrap value,” Walker said.
“They also nicked two bright yellow jerrycans full of diesel to run the generator that our insurers have set us up with pending power reconnection.”
Another resident, Kate Gadd, reported multiple incidents at her property.
“They had come back again this morning and had been through the shed and house as things gone again and things moved,” Gadd said.
“We reported to the police on Sunday as when we got down our pizza oven and pot belly wood heater were taken. This is the lowest act.”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has slammed the alleged looting as “disgraceful”.
“What we’re seeing … is people taking advantage of other people and their very vulnerable situation. That is not the Tasmanian way.”
“It is disgusting behaviour and has no place in our community ever.”
“Particularly … when it comes to vulnerable people in Tasmania that have already suffered heartbreak, making it even worse for them.”
The looting follows confirmation from Tasmania Fire Service that the bushfire was caused by a landowner who failed to properly extinguish their registered burn.
TFS Deputy Chief Officer Matt Lowe said the landowner had covered a burn with sand about seven days before the blaze erupted.
“You never cover it with sand,” Lowe warned.
“You need to cool it with water, rake the coals out and monitor until it’s fully extinguished.”
Lowe explained that wind can cause embers to jump from fire pits where heat remains contained beneath sand.
