A man will re-appear at court today after more than 30 additional charges were laid in relation to daylight break-ins at homes across the Sydney Metropolitan area.
Earlier this year, police from the Northern Beaches Proactive Crime Team commenced an investigation into break-ins at homes at Collaroy and Warriewood, which were believed to be linked.
A 27-year-old man was arrested by investigators on Rawson Street, Sydney, on Wednesday 13 February 2019.
During a subsequent search warrant at a nearby hostel, police located various items, including a NSW Police Force badge, which were all believed to be stolen.
He was charged in relation to the alleged break-ins and remains before the court.
Following the arrest, Northern Beaches, St George, and Inner West Proactive Crime Teams established Strike Force Merryanbone to investigate more than 30 residential break-ins, as well as the disposal/sale and receiving of suspected stolen goods.
Police will allege in court that the break-ins occurred at homes at Arncliffe, Bayview, Balgowlah, Beverly Hills, Bexley, Collaroy, Dee Why, Dulwich Hill, Hurstville, Lewisham, Naremburn, North Narrabeen, Oatley, Rockdale, Warriewood, and Willoughby between October 2018 and February 2019.
As a result of their inquiries, strike force investigators laid additional charges against the man on Tuesday (26 March 2019). He is now charged with 40 offences relating to break-ins and dealing with stolen property.
The man is next due to appear at Central Local Court later today (Thursday 28 March 2019).
Investigations under Strike Force Merryanbone are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Merryanbone investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
