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General News

20 November, 2023

Police crackdown on spate of thefts around Maryborough

“Investigators are currently processing the tools seized with a view of identifying and returning them to the rightful owners. Investigators will be contacting victims of incidents in the coming weeks regarding the seized items.” As part of the...

By Prealene Khera

Police crackdown on spate of thefts around Maryborough - feature photo

Police have cracked down on a series of thefts in Maryborough, with authorities assuring the public that recovery of stolen goods is underway following two recent raids.

Between September and November, 13 separate burglary related incidents have taken place around the town and according to local authorities, thieves targeted new homes, construction sites and premises under renovation around Marshall Street, Macaulay Street, Lake Road, Inkerman Street, Albert Street, Majorca Road, Brougham Street and Burke Street areas.

Police said that offenders appeared to be targeting trades tools, electrical wire, copper fittings and general building materials.

Following the thefts, investigators from the Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) conducted two separate raids last week, with search warrants executed at local addresses.

“Multiple tools believed to be stolen from various locations have been recovered because of the operation,” Goldfields CIU Detective Sergeant Steve Atkinson said.

“Investigators are currently processing the tools seized with a view of identifying and returning them to the rightful owners. Investigators will be contacting victims of incidents in the coming weeks regarding the seized items.”

As part of the second investigation a further search warrant was executed in Maryborough which led to methamphetamines and trades tools being seized, police said.

A 26-year-old local man has been charged with trafficking drugs of dependence, possessing drug of dependence, handling stolen goods, possessing proceeds of crime and possessing an imitation firearm — and was bailed to appear at the Maryborough Magistrates’ Court next year in February.

Det Sgt Atkinson added that another 30-year-old man was interviewed for handling stolen goods and negligently possessing proceeds of crime — he has been released on summons.

As investigations continue, it is crucial for workplaces and employees to take necessary precautions.

“We are urging tradies to be vigilant regarding security around their equipment,” Det Sgt Atkinson said.

“If possible, the use of CCTV cameras at work sites can be the key to solving these crimes.

“It is also suggested tradesman record and mark their equipment with identifying marks so if ever stolen and recovered, investigators can easily identify the tools as stolen during investigations.”

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