A man will face court today after a caravan allegedly stolen from an area of the state’s South Coast impacted by bushfires, was recovered at Mogo yesterday.
On Saturday 11 January 2020, a home owner returned to their property south of Batemans Bay after bushfires affected the area and found their caravan, with an estimated value of $40,000, was missing. The theft was reported to police.
Officers from South Coast Police District commenced an investigation and following inquiries attended a property on the Princes Highway, Mogo, yesterday (Tuesday 14 January 2020).
The caravan was recovered, along with three chainsaws and a generator stored inside it. A small amount of cannabis was also allegedly located and seized by police.
A 52-year-old man attended the property and was spoken to by police before being arrested.
He was taken to Batemans Bay Police Station where he was charged with goods suspected stolen in/on premises – motor vehicle, goods suspected stolen in/on premises, and possess prohibited drug.
The man was refused bail to appear at Batemans Bay Local Court today (Wednesday 15 January 2020).
The NSW Police Force is providing a high-visibility presence to deter criminal activity throughout the current bushfire emergency and assist other emergency services to ensure bushfire-affected areas are safe for the community to return as quickly as possible.
Local police numbers have been bolstered by officers from specialist commands to conduct regular patrols throughout bushfire-affected areas.
South Coast Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Scott Nelson is urging the community to continue to report thefts to police or Crime Stoppers.
“We have a large police presence in bushfire affected areas – day and night – to provide support to local communities,” Detective Inspector Nelson said.
“I want to urge members of the community – if you see something, say something. If you have suspicions at all and wish to report a crime, don’t hesitate – contact police or Crime Stoppers.”
Anyone with information about unsafe or unlawful behaviour in the bushfire affected region is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
In the event of an emergency, contact Triple Zero (000).
Information is treated in strict confidence.
