A driver who had stopped in Shepparton to retrieve a belonging from his car boot had to fight off a man who allegedly tried to steal his vehicle, on Tuesday, March 26.
Shepparton police Acting Sergeant Nathan Trimby said the victim had been passing through Shepparton when the alleged incident occurred at about 1.30pm.
Act Sgt Trimby said the man had parked his Ford Everest four-wheel-drive on Wyndham St in front of Victoria Park Lake, less than 100m north of the Shepparton Art Museum.
He was retrieving an item from the vehicle’s boot when another man allegedly jumped into the driver’s seat and attempted to steal the Everest, Act Sgt Trimby said.
The victim wrestled with the other man to get him out of the car. The owner successfully pulled the man from the Everest.
Act Sgt Trimby said the man who jumped into the driver's seat of the Everest, once removed, was driven away from the lake in a white SUV wagon.
Police said the man they were looking for was described as appearing to be either Indian or Middle Eastern in appearance and about 30 years old.
Police are looking for any dash-cam footage anyone has of the incident or the vehicle that the alleged offender left in.
In particular, they would like any footage of the getaway vehicle’s driver.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Senior Constable Paul Brock at Shepparton police on 5820 5777 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au