Fire appeal funds stolen

By Tania Martin
FERNY Creek Primary School was shattered after its bushfire appeal fund was stolen last Friday.
But just hours later the cash was returned after police apprehended the thief.
The school was broken into soon after 3.30am on Friday and proceeds from a bushfire fund appeal were stolen.
Police believe a 36-year-old Ferntree Gully man smashed several windows to gain access to the school.
He ran from the school but was arrested a short time later in the school grounds after a short chase.
School principal Matthew Coyle said it was disheartening that someone could steal from a fund that had been set up to help bushfire victims.
Mr Coyle was called to the school soon after 4am on Friday. He said the school had collected more than $4000 from a free dress day as well as collecting toys for kids devastated by the fires.
“My stomach turned over when the police said the money was gone,” he said.
Mr Coyle said once the man was arrested the money was returned to the school.
“I thought it might have become evidence but we were able to get it back straight away,” he said.
“Many were concerned the money would be gone forever but the good news is we got it back.”
Mr Coyle said the bushfires had struck a chord with many at the school because a lot went through similar experiences during the 1997 fires.
“A lot of the parents and teachers remember what it’s like,” he said.
Mr Coyle said the money had now been put in the bank. The cash would go directly to the Marysville Primary School.
“We wanted to set up a link with the school and help them out directly,” he said.
Mr Coyle said the students had not only collected toys and cash but had written letters to all the children affected by the fires.
The school has now raised more than $4300 towards the cause.
The Ferntree Gully man has been charged with burglary and theft and will appear before the Magistrates’ Court at a later date.