General News
30 November, 2023
Police investigate local thefts
Local police are investigating several incidents after a number of cars in Maryborough were targeted, a cafe was broken into and farm equipment was stolen from Carisbrook. At least eight incidents relating to thefts from motor vehicles, a shed...
Local police are investigating several incidents after a number of cars in Maryborough were targeted, a cafe was broken into and farm equipment was stolen from Carisbrook.
At least eight incidents relating to thefts from motor vehicles, a shed, attempted thefts and a break in have occurred since Wednesday last week.
In the early hours of Saturday morning it’s understood a single offender smashed through the front glass door of Daily Dose Cafe Wine Bar in High Street, Maryborough, stealing a mobile phone and the till.
A male aged in his early 30s was arrested by police shortly after the incident and has been charged with burglary, criminal damage and theft and has been remanded in custody to appear before the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court this month.
Goldfields Crime Investigation Unit Detective Sergeant Steve Atkinson reassured local business owners that the incident appeared to be isolated.
“We know the offender stole the till and a mobile phone from within the property and has then walked to a laneway in High Street where police have observed him,” he said.
“The offender has discarded the till but police were able to apprehend him.
“That offending was linked to what we believe was a drug affected offender, we don’t believe it was a specifically targeted incident.”
While the incident caused Daily Dose Cafe to close its doors Saturday, owner Jenna Primmer said the community support has been “overwhelming”.
“It’s unfortunate this incident happened but the support from the community has been overwhelming,” she said.
“We’ve had businesses offer their equipment to us and one business we deal with offered free delivery to us as well. It’s the silver lining in the situation really, it just shows how supportive our community is.
“We’re also really appreciative of how quickly the police were able to get onto this and apprehend the person responsible.”
While one offender has been apprehended, police are continuing to investigate a series of thefts and attempted thefts in both Maryborough and Carisbrook that have occurred since last Wednesday.
Det Sgt Atkinson said police are appealing to any witnesses or people with CCTV footage to come forward.
“There was a series of thefts from motor vehicles and attempted thefts from motor vehicles in Whirrakee Rise and the broader Maryborough area,” he said.
“Investigators are currently seeking information in relation to that and if anyone who lives in that area has CCTV or has observed any suspicious activity, particularly in the early hours of the morning, we encourage them to get in touch with us or Crime Stoppers.”
Areas of particular interest to police where thefts and attempted thefts have occurred are:
• Donovans Road, Carisbrook on Wednesday, November 22 where a farm shed was targeted and goods including pumps and tools were stolen.
• Chisholm Street overnight from Sunday, November 26 to Monday, November 27.
Also of interest are the following residential areas where thefts and attempted thefts of goods from motor vehicles occurred overnight from Tuesday, November 28 to Wednesday, November 29:
• McKean Street
• Albert Street
• Worrall Court
• Alma Street
“We are investigating a series of offending ranging from burglary incidents to theft from motor vehicles,” Det Sgt Atkinson said.
The thefts follow a similar series of offending that occurred late last month, with a number of youths believed to be the perpetrators.
Det Sgt Atkinson said it’s believed these incidents are not connected however, and the recent spate of thefts could be an example of offenders from neighbouring areas targeting local property.
“We believe this offending is not related to similar offending that occurred several weeks ago,” he said.
“Our messaging around this is straightforward — ensure your vehicles are locked and that no personal effects are kept in vehicles, especially things like phones and wallets.
“We know a majority of offenders will target unlocked vehicles, if they find a locked car they will likely just leave it.”