Investigators have charged a man as their inquiries continue into a series of thefts and attempted thefts from supermarkets in Sydney’s south west last weekend.
Earlier this week, officers from Wetherill Park Region Enforcement Squad commenced an investigation following reports of thefts and attempted thefts of toilet paper from restricted storage areas at supermarkets at Auburn, Granville, Bass Hill and Lidcombe last Sunday (22 March 2020).
Local police attended the stores before officers from Wetherill Park Region Enforcement Squad (RES) commenced an investigation into the thefts.
Following extensive inquiries, which included an appeal to the community for information, investigators arrested a 30-year-old man during a vehicle stop on Vaughan Street, Lidcombe, just before 2pm yesterday (Friday 27 March 2020).
The Auburn man was taken to Auburn Police Station and charged with two counts of larceny, robbery in company, break and enter dwelling-house etc with intent and enter inclosed land not presc premises without lawful excuse.
Police will allege in court that the man, who is in company of another man, stole approximately 400 rolls of toilet paper from the Auburn and Granville stores, and attended the Bass Hill and Lidcombe stores with intent to steal.
He has been refused bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court today (Saturday 28 March 2020) via video link.
Investigations are continuing and further arrests are expected.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, praised the actions of the New South Police.
“At this time of crisis, it only takes one fool to cause a high level of unnecessary community anxiety. I congratulate the police on this arrest.”
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
