Guide Dogs Victoria vans found after ‘very despicable’ act

The boss of Guide Dogs Victoria says a heartless Christmas theft which hit the organisation was a “well-orchestrated” criminal operation.

Five specially-fitted vans, worth about $400,000, were taken from a vet clinic in Kew on Christmas night.

They’re used to transport guide dogs in training.

Guide Dogs Victoria Chief Executive Karen Hayes says it’s “a very despicable act”.

“We’ve certainly had our challenges through the last 18 months and to wrap up the year like this is really quite devastating,” she told Shane McInnes, filling in for Neil Mitchell.

The vans were behind a locked gate and the keys for the vehicles were in a safe.

Ms Hayes says the theft is certain to mean delays in getting guide dogs trained.

“It’s hard for me to comprehend the mindset of somebody who would do something like this,” she said.

“It’s clearly been a well organised theft. Five vehicles in one hit is significant.”

Three of the five stolen vehicles have now been located by police.

Press PLAY below to hear about the heartless thefts