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Life-sized bronze statue disappears from Mornington Park as police investigate suspected theft
A historic bronze statue of explorer Matthew Flinders has been stolen from Mornington Park, prompting a police investigation and concern among local residents.
The life-sized statue stood at Mornington Park on Schnapper Drive and had been a familiar landmark in the community since it was installed in 1988 to commemorate Australia's Bicentenary. The statue was reported missing to the local council on Monday, with investigators now examining how it was removed and where it may have been taken.
Evidence at the site indicates that the statue appears to have been forcibly removed from its position. Damage was reported around the base, including chipped cement and damaged bricks. Tyre marks were also reportedly visible near the location, although investigators have not publicly confirmed exactly how the statue was transported away.
The disappearance has caused significant disappointment among residents who regarded the statue as an important part of Mornington's local history. Some families regularly visited the park and considered the monument a familiar feature of the area.
Matthew Flinders has a strong historical connection with Mornington. He landed near the area in 1802 while exploring Port Phillip Bay aboard HMS Investigator. He later became known for completing the first recorded circumnavigation of Australia and for helping establish the name "Australia" for the continent.
The circumstances behind the theft remain unclear. Investigators are considering possible explanations, including whether the bronze statue was targeted for its material value. Community discussion has also raised the possibility of deliberate vandalism, but police have not publicly confirmed a motive.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire and Victoria Police are examining the damage and working to establish when the statue was removed. Investigators are expected to consider available CCTV footage and information from people who may have been near Mornington Park around the time the theft occurred.
The statue had stood at the park for almost four decades, making its disappearance particularly significant for local residents. Community members have called for the monument to be recovered and returned to its original location if possible.
Police are continuing their investigation and are seeking information that could help identify those responsible or locate the missing statue. Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity around Mornington Park or has relevant footage is encouraged to provide it to police.
No arrests have been reported in connection with the theft at this stage.
StatueMorningtonParkBeenPolice
A historic bronze statue of explorer Matthew Flinders has been stolen from Mornington Park, prompting a police investigation and concern among local residents.
The life-sized statue stood at Mornington Park on Schnapper Drive and had been a familiar landmark in the community since it was installed in 1988 to commemorate Australia's Bicentenary. The statue was reported missing to the local council on Monday, with investigators now examining how it was removed and where it may have been taken.
Evidence at the site indicates that the statue appears to have been forcibly removed from its position. Damage was reported around the base, including chipped cement and damaged bricks. Tyre marks were also reportedly visible near the location, although investigators have not publicly confirmed exactly how the statue was transported away.
The disappearance has caused significant disappointment among residents who regarded the statue as an important part of Mornington's local history. Some families regularly visited the park and considered the monument a familiar feature of the area.
Matthew Flinders has a strong historical connection with Mornington. He landed near the area in 1802 while exploring Port Phillip Bay aboard HMS Investigator. He later became known for completing the first recorded circumnavigation of Australia and for helping establish the name "Australia" for the continent.
The circumstances behind the theft remain unclear. Investigators are considering possible explanations, including whether the bronze statue was targeted for its material value. Community discussion has also raised the possibility of deliberate vandalism, but police have not publicly confirmed a motive.
The Mornington Peninsula Shire and Victoria Police are examining the damage and working to establish when the statue was removed. Investigators are expected to consider available CCTV footage and information from people who may have been near Mornington Park around the time the theft occurred.
The statue had stood at the park for almost four decades, making its disappearance particularly significant for local residents. Community members have called for the monument to be recovered and returned to its original location if possible.
Police are continuing their investigation and are seeking information that could help identify those responsible or locate the missing statue. Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity around Mornington Park or has relevant footage is encouraged to provide it to police.
No arrests have been reported in connection with the theft at this stage.
