NSW police lay charges after $80,000 worth of stolen baby formula and health products seized

A man has been charged following an investigation into the alleged large-scale theft of infant formula, oral hygiene products and vitamins across Sydney.

Officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command commenced an investigation into the alleged coordinated theft of baby formula and other food, clothing and toiletry items across the Sydney region between July and November this year.

Following inquiries, Fairfield City Proactive Crime Team arrested a 34-year-old man at Chester Hill, about 1.50pm yesterday (Thursday 3 December 2020).

Officers also executed search warrants at two businesses in Fairfield and Cabramatta.

During the searches, police seized 273 cans of baby formula, and 317 oral hygiene products, including toothpaste, at the Cabramatta business and a further 656 cans of baby formula, 435 oral hygiene products, 216 electric toothbrushes and 752 bottles of vitamins at the Fairfield business.

The total estimated value of the alleged stolen items is approximately $80,000.

The 34-year-old man was taken to Fairfield Police Station and charged with 41 counts of shoplifting, goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen and drive whilst licence expired.

Police also executed an outstanding arrest warrant for the offences of robbery in company, breach of bail, and two counts of fail to appear in accordance with bail acknowledgment.

The Bass Hill man was refused bail and appeared in Fairfield Local Court today (Friday 4 December 2020), where he was formally refused bail to appear in Parramatta Local Court on Thursday 10 December 2020.

Inquiries continue.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

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