Alexandra Crime Investigation Unit detectives have put out an appeal for public assistance in their investigation of a Yea home invasion.
Alexandra CIU Detective Sergeant Flyn Loughlin described the crime as “foreign to this part of north-east Victoria” and is appealing for an anonymous individual to come forward and expand on information they have already provided to police.
“What I’m particularly appealing for here today (Monday, June 30) is a person who has contacted Crime Stoppers during the course of this past week,” Det Sgt Loughlin said.
“It was detail provided where it demonstrated someone that has an awareness of particular facets of the investigation that only police are aware of.
“I’m appealing for that person ... if they can expand on the information they provided to us, to please contact Crime Stoppers or contact the Alexandra CIU direct.”
The incident occurred at a property on the Melba Hwy about 1.15am on Monday, June 23.
Police said three unknown offenders, two armed with firearms and another with a machete, entered the property and confronted the 68-year-old man inside.
The offenders made demands to the victim, which Det Sgt Loughlin said he was unable to comply with.
“The specific demands could not be met by this gentleman,” Det Sgt Loughlin said.
“We are keeping an open mind that he was not the intended victim.
“It is likely and possible that the intended victim and property was not his.”
Detectives were told the offenders dragged the victim from the property and forced him into the boot of his own vehicle before forcibly removing him from the car and taking him to a nearby paddock.
It was there that the offenders continued to assault the victim and doused him in petrol, police said.
Police said one of the offenders held the man at gunpoint in the paddock, while the other two set the victim’s house on fire.
Det Sgt Loughlin said the offenders were described as Middle Eastern in appearance and were, at times, speaking what the victim believes was an Arabic language.
He called the offence “an abhorrent crime”.
“It was an extremely violent attack on an innocent man within the sanctity of his home and, quite frankly, it’s disgusting behaviour,” Det Sgt Loughlin said.
“I can assure members of the public and the local community that Victoria Police, and members of the Alexandra CIU, we do not tolerate this behaviour, we are throwing every available resource at this.
“He (the victim) will recover physically. I don’t know how anyone recovers quickly from an attack on you in the sanctity of your own home. I don’t know how you ever recover from that emotionally, mentally.
“These are insipid people that think they can do this to a person in their own home. We do not tolerate it.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footage or infomration is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/