Man on the hook for large scale fishing gear theft
A 31-year-old Latham man will be summonsed to appear at the ACT Magistrates Court to face charges arising from the alleged theft of more than $100 000 worth of fishing equipment.
ACT Policing commenced an investigation after receiving a report that a former employee had stolen over $25 000 worth of fishing equipment and a large amount of cash from a fishing store.
On Friday, 25 May 2018 ACT Policing members executed a search warrant on the man’s home. During the search they located and seized an enormous amount of fishing gear and associated products suspected as being stolen, including:
- more than 70 fishing rods
- 24 fishing reels
- over 30 clear fishing boxes containing lures, fishing hooks and fishing line
- several back packs full of fishing equipment
- two large plastic boxes full of unopened packets of fishing lures
- more than 10 knives
- five boxes of fishing flies
- four tents
- two pairs of binoculars
- clothing items in new condition
The initial estimate of the value of the seized property is in excess of $100 000.
Police believe a large amount of the property seized was stolen from another fishing store where the alleged offender had also worked.
Detective Acting Superintendent Jason Kennedy said he believes some people will now be in possession of stolen goods that they believed had purchased in good faith.
“It is likely the alleged offender has been selling fishing equipment similar to that seized online through Facebook ‘Buy Swap Sell’ pages and other such websites,” said Detective Acting Superintendent Kennedy.
“I am urging the community to be cautious when buying goods online. Anyone who has recently purchased fishing equipment from a non-reputable dealer online should contact Police, as they may have purchased stolen goods.”
Anyone who may have any information that could assist police should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 6268519. Information can be provided anonymously.
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 6264 9460, act-police-media@afp.gov.au