Thief robs resting Australian firefighters

MELBOURNE - A brazen thief robbed six exhausted firefighters in Victoria's east while they rested at a motel.

The firefighters may have been asleep in their rooms when the intruder took their mobile phones, wallets and clothing, said David Craddock, the manager of Murphy's Motor Inn at Traralgon.

"They (the firefighters) were on the premises at the time. I don't know if they were in their room or elsewhere," Mr Craddock said.

He said the thefts occurred during Monday night, probably after midnight.

"We shouldn't have low-lifes that would do such a thing. I hope the police catch them and kick them up the arse ... I would like to have a go at them myself," he said.

It is believed the firefighters had been battling a major blaze at Erica, in the Latrobe Valley, prior to the robbery.

It was thought the rooms used by the men were unlocked at the time of the theft, Mr Craddock said.

"They were not happy when they found out," he said.

Sergeant Melanie Cooper said the robbery was reported to Traralgon police yesterday.

- AAP