Above: A happy Colin Hooper, left, with Essendon By Shaun Inguanzo
DANDENONG detectives investigating an unrelated crime have stumbled across a stolen Essendon Football Club jumper worn by recently retired club champion James Hird in his 250th game.
Victoria Police launched a statewide campaign for Mr Hird’s jumper, which he signed and gave to club stalwart Colin Hooper after playing his 250th game for the club in August.
The jumper was awaiting framing at a store in Kew when it and a Geelong guernsey were stolen on Saturday 1 September.
A disappointed Mr Hird and Mr Hooper took part in a Victoria Police press conference on 4 September pleading for the jumper’s return. But as time passed the jumper appeared to be lost forever.
That was until detectives from the Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit attended a Springvale South house to investigate a separate matter on Friday 7 September.
While at the house, a man known to police fled the scene and dropped an item in the backyard.
Police soon discovered that item was the stolen Essendon Football Club jumper, complete with Mr Hird’s signature and grass stains as it had not been washed since he played the game.
Police said a search also uncovered the Geelong guernsey.
Police are now calling for the public’s assistance in locating Troy Robert Jones, 22, of no fixed address.
Anyone with information on Mr Jones’ whereabouts can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
