South Australian bushfire victims fight back against looters

Victims of South Australia’s Pinery bushfire are desperately fighting back against looters targeting fire-damaged properties.

Looting victim Noel Aird said he was outraged that thieves stole tools and a generator after cutting a lock on his shipping container during the emergency.

“While everyone was out fighting the fires, in all that smoke and everything, people were wandering around here stealing stuff,” Mr Aird said.

“We caught people up there other end… trying to kick fences down.” 

Neighbours of another family that fell victim to looters have made a sign expressing their outrage, which reads ‘have some respect, keep out’.

Police are investigating six reports of theft from fire-damaged properties.

Emergency Services Tony Piccolo condemned the alleged behaviour.  

“For anyone to take advantage of this situation is just outrageous… it’s just appalling behaviour,” he said.  

The SES has also warned that a fraudster is falsely claiming they are collecting donations for victims.