But on Tuesday night while they were away, looters climbed into the roofless property and looted the home, stealing jewellery, coin collections, televisions and other items worth thousands of dollars.

The crime has prompted a police investigation, but the circumstances have left the community and the couple’s son Mark reeling

“They’re just scum those blokes, whoever has done it,” Mark said.

“It’s a bit of a shock to the system.”

A complete list of items stolen is still to be finalised, but Mark said three TVs, an iPad, tools, cameras, multiple coin collections and his mother’s jewellry box were among the possessions taken.

“I’m just gutted for mum and dad really,” he said.

As of Wednesday night, those responsible had not been arrested.

Police did however apprehend two people following burglaries at Mowbray, Ravenswood and Waverley on Tuesday night.

Those crimes were unrelated to the incident at the Williams residence, Detective Senior Sergeant Bob Baker said on Wednesday.

Tuesday night’s looting follows a similar incident at the Cataract Gorge Restaurant during Launceston’s historic flood event in early June.

The restaurant was raided by criminals while the owners were tending to another business.