Appeal for return of Olympic torch after break-in

[Fiona]

A Darwin man is appealing for thieves to return an Olympic torch stolen from his business on the weekend.

The man's father carried the torch prior to the Sydney games and was considered a family heirloom.

When the Darwin Tennis Centre was broken into over the weekend, its owner Pat Coburn was not so concerned that it was the 19th break-in since 2001.

He was more disturbed about the theft of an Olympic torch given to him by his father.

Mr Coburn says thieves used a bolt cutter to gain access to the centre before stealing a safe, expensive tennis rackets and alcohol.

He says the Olympic torch would be difficult to sell and he is urging secondhand stores to keep a lookout for his prized possession.

abc.net.au

[steveb]

Just goes to show that the criminal fraternity are alive and well, and causing much sadness from across the globe in Aus land.

I don't suppose that the thieves appreciate just what they have stolen in terms of money (because the Olympic torch has minimal value), but by the heartache caused to Pat Coburn by the theft of this item, which was handed down to him by his father, which is rather bigger.

To the thieves, take the time to dump the Olympic torch in a library or superstore, etc, along with a message for Pat Coburn.

No harm done!