Eight people have been arrested over allegedly stealing $1.2 million worth of luxury items from homes across Sydney, prompting police to remind the community to properly secure their homes and cars this holiday season.
In November 2018, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad established Strike Force Merengue to investigate 80 aggravated break-ins across Sydney throughout September and October.
Inquiries led investigators to examine the activities of an organised theft syndicate, which also included shoplifting at designer stores across Sydney.
Following inquiries, a 23-year-old man was arrested at Sydney International Airport on Wednesday 21 November 2018.
He was taken to Mascot Police Station, where he was charged with 12 offences, including make false statement to officer for purposes of Migration Act, aggravated break and enter, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
A second man, aged 27, was arrested at Sydney International Airport the next day and was charged with 16 offences, including make false statement to officer for purposes of Migration Act, aggravated break and enter, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
Both men were refused bail and appeared at Central Local Court on Friday 23 November 2018, where they were both formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Tuesday 22 January 2019.
Following further inquiries, a 22-year-old man, a 36-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man were arrested at a unit in Sydney Olympic Park on Wednesday 28 November 2018.
All three were charged with 11 offences, including make false statement to officer for purposes Migration Act, aggravated break and enter dwelling in company intend to steal, and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
The two men and woman were refused bail and appeared at Burwood Local Court on Wednesday 28 November 2018, where they were formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Wednesday 23 January 2019.
On Tuesday 11 December 2018, a 34-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were arrested in Melbourne by Victoria Police for shoplifting offences. NSW Police will seek their extradition to NSW over allegedly attempting to send stolen goods overseas.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators arrested a 41-year-old woman at a home in Leppington on Tuesday 18 December 2018, and she was taken to Liverpool Police Station.
The woman was charged with seven offences, including two counts of shoplifting and receive property from serious indictable offence.
She was refused bail and appeared at Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday 19 December 2018, where she was formally refused bail to appear at Central Local Court on Tuesday 22 January 2019.
Police will allege in court that the men and women, all Chilean Nationals, broke into homes across Sydney – including Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Five Dock, and Castle Hill – where they stole $1.2 million worth of jewellery and luxury items, and cash.
It will also be alleged in court that the men and women stole luxury items from designer stores across Sydney before shipping all the items and cash overseas.
Strike force investigators have been working with Chilean authorities to seize packages believed to contain the stolen items.
Robbery and Serious Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty, commended the work of investigators but implored the community to be on alert.
“This has been a sophisticated and meticulous investigation; spanning not just across Australia but across the Pacific Ocean,” Det Supt Doherty said.
“We are doing everything in our power to bring these no-good thieves to justice, but we are calling on the public to assist us in our investigation. We want to hear from anyone who may have information that can assist us in dismantling this syndicate.
“While our detectives are continuing to track down those involved, we remind the community to ensure that their doors and windows are securely locked when no one is at home.
“If you are going on holidays and your home is empty, we ask that you have a trusted family member or friend or neighbour stop by to see that the house has not been disturbed.
“Unsavoury characters will be on the lookout to break in and steal some of your new Christmas presents and will be checking for empty and unlocked homes.
“If you see something or someone suspicious in your neighbourhood, we urge you to contact police.”
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Merengue investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
