The Benalla Migrant Camp exhibition and Broken River Painters had their locks cut with bolt cutters while the Benalla Historical Society reported that its door had been forced open during the past week.
Migrant Camp exhibition curator Sabine Smyth reported that only one memory stick had been stolen. Broken River painters member Carol Perry said a small sum of money, under $10, and a tin of instant coffee was missing.
The Benalla Historical Society's Alan Monger said he believed nothing was taken during its break-in.
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All three groups needed to have their locks changed to increase security measures.
Ms Smyth said she was saddened by the break-in.
“I discovered the break-in after a chance drive-by. I stopped and found our expensive entrance padlock had been cut off and was missing, every chest had been opened and rifled through, making a mess out of the careful packing and wrapping we had done,” Ms Smyth said.
“I reported the break-in to police and to council, yesterday.”
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Ms Smyth said it had taken some time to catalogue and re-pack the collection, much of which was stored in acid-proof boxes and other specific ways designed to protect and preserve it.
“After we tidied and re-wrapped items, the only thing that was left somewhat dishevelled was our sense of security about the exhibition,” she said.
“I (had) always thought, who would be so mean and dumb to break into Hut 11? Surely we'd be safe. But not so.”
Mr Monger said the historical society hut was cluttered with items it had recently received, such as a collection of mannequins.
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“There was nothing in there that would be of interest to a burglar. We don't keep any money, or anything of value in there,” Mr Monger said.
“I think they took one look and walked out.”
Mr Monger said he investigated after he was informed that the Broken River Painters had been broken into.
“We found the break-in on Friday, July 30. Then we discovered the Migrant Camp exhibition had been broken into a few days later.”
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Mr Monger said he had spoken to other historical society members who decided they would write to Benalla Rural City Council requesting CCTV be installed in the area.
A Benalla Police spokesperson said while they do regular patrols of the area they encourage people to report any suspicious behaviour at the airport, and on adjoining roads, by calling triple zero immediately.
“If a member of the public has any information regarding these break-ins, or if they saw anything suspicious we encourage them to report it,” the police spokesperson said.
You can do that by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000, via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or by calling Benalla Police Station on 5760 0200.
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