A THIEF has stolen a vintage model train from a Mornington man who has spent much of his life trying to help others.
Geoff Woods, a former stonemason who now runs a scaffolding business, has a generous nature that has seen him provide employment to many local people, as well as the less fortunate, while also helping out in the community.
He’s also a life member of South Mornington Football Club, and a foundation member at Mornington Football Club.
But what happened last week has left the 64-year-old saddened and lamenting the loss of his pride and joy – an American made 80-year-old model train with a rare “four and a half inch gauge”. “It probably happened last Tuesday night, because when I came in on Wednesday I noticed the security camera on my shed had been dismantled, and I thought ‘oh oh’ ,” he said. “Sure enough the train was gone and I later saw scratch marks on the roof where they must have placed a ladder to dismantle the security … they certainly planned it and it seems they knew what they were after.”
Woods paid about $5000 for the metre long train about eight years ago, but says it was worth more than money.
“It’s really rare and I love it, the only hope I have is that it’s too rare to try to sell and, if they do, I’ll find out,” he said.
The train was originally a working model, but the years have not been kind to it, and it was just a showpiece in the back shed. “I’m a bit of a collector, and someone must have known it was there,” Woods said.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or Geoff Woods, 0418 591 474.
First published in the Mornington News – 28th May 2024