Police holding 'open day' to reunite tradies with 2500 stolen work boots

Victoria Police are giving soul-searching a whole new meaning in their bid to reunite thousands of pairs of shoes with their rightful owners.

Investigators stumbled across over 2416 pairs of allegedly stolen work boots and sneakers following the execution of a search warrant in Mernda, north Melbourne, in November last year.

Police have decided to hold an open day where anyone who believes to be victim of shoe theft can make statements and retrieve their stolen shoes.

It’s alleged the shoes were taken from the front doors of homes in the Doreen, Mernda, Watsonia North and Craigieburn areas over a six year period.

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Anyone who believes they are missing a pair of shoes are invited to Epping Memorial Hall on February 25 between 10am and 1.30pm.

A 43-year-old man was charged with theft and handle stolen goods following the discovery and was bailed to appear in Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on April 13.