A Geelong mechanic has been left devastated and unable to work after thieves stole approximately $25,000 worth of tools from his shed in Moolap. Erinn Donohue, a local mechanic, discovered the theft on Monday morning when he arrived at his workshop to find the lock on his shed had been cut and his tools missing.
Donohue said the stolen tools included specialized equipment essential for his trade, such as a full set of Snap-on sockets, wrenches, and diagnostic tools. He estimated the total value of the stolen items to be around $25,000, with many of the tools being irreplaceable due to their specific use and personal modifications.
“I’m absolutely shattered,” Donohue said. “These tools are my livelihood. Without them, I can’t complete the jobs I’ve got lined up, and I’ve had to turn away customers. It’s not just the financial loss, but the time and effort I’ve put into building up my tool collection over the years.”
The theft has forced Donohue to stop work indefinitely, as he cannot afford to replace the tools immediately. He has been a mechanic for over 15 years and relies on his tools to service vehicles for local residents and businesses.
“I’ve had to cancel appointments and tell people I can’t help them for now. It’s heartbreaking because I’ve built up a good reputation in the community, and now I feel like I’ve let them down,” he added.
Police are investigating the incident and have urged anyone with information to come forward. They believe the theft occurred sometime over the weekend, with the offender(s) targeting the shed due to its remote location. Moolap is a small suburb on the Bellarine Peninsula, known for its industrial areas and quiet streets.
Donohue has started a GoFundMe page to help raise funds to replace the stolen tools. The community has already shown support, with donations coming in from fellow mechanics and locals. “I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of people. It gives me hope that I can get back on my feet,” he said.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of tradespeople who often store expensive equipment in sheds and workshops. Police have advised securing sheds with heavy-duty locks, installing alarm systems, and marking tools with unique identifiers to deter thieves.
Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report online. Donohue hopes that by speaking out, he can prevent others from becoming victims and possibly recover his tools.
