Theft from burnt Ky West pub a ‘kick in the guts’

By Monique Preston

Apr 3, 2023

Theft: Some of the only things to have survived a devastating fire at the Ky West Hotel last month have been stolen from a shed on the property.

The owners of a pub that burnt down have been given a “kick in the guts” after some of the few things to survive the fire were stolen late last week.

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Campaspe Crime Investigation Unit Detective Senior Constable Shane Kervin said a shed at the Ky West Hotel was broken into between March 29 and April 1.

A 2.4m x 1.5m grey box trailer, a yellow Hustler ride-on mower and an air compressor were all stolen.

The historic pub in Graham Rd was burnt to the ground in a fire that is believed to have started shortly after licensee Matt Ford closed the hotel at 8.30pm on Monday, March 20.

Fire investigators discovered an electrical fault was responsible for the destruction of the 147-year-old pub.

A post on the Ky West Hotel Facebook page is imploring anyone who knows anything about the theft to contact police.

“Talk about kicking us while we are down,” the post said.

“Honestly, we are devastated and beyond over the heartache.”

Det Sen Constable Kervin said the theft was “disappointing” given that the hotel owners had recently lost so much.

“They don’t need that,” he said.

“Crime is bad enough, but when you had this first (the hotel burning down), it’s a kick in the guts.”

Anyone with information about the theft of the trailer, ride-on mower and air compressor is asked to contact Campaspe Crime Investigation Unit on 5483 1500 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au