Detectives from Maribyrnong Crime Investigation Unit are covering all bases as they try and track down the owners of a signed baseball.
Police had undertaken a number of enquiries as part of their investigation into the theft of a vehicle from a property on Commercial Road, Footscray in June last year.
It was subsequently located approximately one month later in the car park of the Epping Plaza shopping centre.
During a search of the car, a number of items of allegedly stolen property were recovered including a signed baseball.
Detectives spoke to the vehicle owner, however the ball was not his.
Despite a number of enquiries, police have not been able to link the ball to any existing crime reports and are unable to ascertain who the owner is.
The ball, which is white with red stitching and appears to be match-used, is covered in a number of signatures with playing numbers beside them.
One of the clearest signatures appears to be that of Scott Dawes, who represented Australia in baseball between 1993-1998 including at the Atlanta Olympics.
Investigators have also released an image of the ball in the hope someone recognises it and can provide details about its rightful owner.
Anyone who recognises the ball or believes it may be their property is urged to contact Maribyrnong Crime Investigation Unit on 8398 9822 or email [email protected]
Quotes attributable to Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Megan O'Sullivan:
"It's hard to tell how much the ball is worth in monetary terms, however it probably has significant sentimental or personal value to someone.
"We haven't had any luck connecting the ball to existing crime reports, so it may be that the theft was previously unreported or the owner may not have realised it's been lost.
"Hopefully someone is able to provide us with some information and we can ensure the ball gets back to it's owner."
