Thieves shatter goodwill

An interstate tourist who had her car broken into at Bluff Knoll carpark last weekend says she deliberately chose to holiday in the region to support its economy after recent devastating floods.

Mia, who did not want her surname published, travelled with her husband from Queensland and was one of three break-in victims at the carpark on Saturday.

With a background in tourism, she said their journey was planned when the floods happened last month.

"We know only too well how regional tourism works and how places survive all year on their summer returns,” she said. “We researched thoroughly after deciding to come here and drive from Albany to Esperance knowing our dollars spent on fuel, accommodation and food would help and flow through the economy.”

The couple stopped to climb 1099m Bluff Knoll en route, only to return to their car to find the rear window shattered and their belongings stolen.

"I know not to leave valuables in a car unattended like that but what are you supposed to do when you're travelling from point to point? We had our wallets, phones and cameras with us, but the thieves have our belongings we need for travelling,” she said.

“Now I have to repurchase everything like toiletries, cosmetics, medical supplies, all our devices' chargers and so much more. We are going to end up spending quite a bit more here than originally planned.” Mia said the couple had decided to offer a cash reward for information leading to the recovery of their possessions.

“This has been such a frustrating experience,” she said.

“Someone knows something and it's our personal items that are irreplaceable. Our white mini iPad encased in its black keyboard cover, my old Swiss army knife and highly unusual silver jewellery, including my Mia name necklace, are going to stand out.”

Mia has urged anyone with information to contact Albany Police on 131 444 or leave the stolen items there.