The caravan that was allegedly stolen from Batemans Bay and found at Mogo. Photo: FacebookA 52-year-old man will face court today (15 January) after a caravan allegedly stolen from a property south of Batemans Bay was recovered at Mogo yesterday.
On Saturday, 11 January, a homeowner 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 the police.
It is understood the caravan was going to be used to house a family who had lost everything in bushfires in the area.
Officers from South Coast Police District commenced an investigation and following inquiries attended a property on the Princes Highway, Mogo, yesterday (14 January).
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 possession of a motor vehicle suspected stolen in or on-premises, goods suspected stolen in or on-premises, and possession of a prohibited drug.
The man was refused bail to appear at Batemans Bay Local Court today (Wednesday 15 January).
This follows NSW Police locating and seizing a number of electrical items believed to have been stolen during recent bushfires from a fire-damaged business in Batemans Bay. Police allege it was broken into twice on 8 January and a number of electronic items were taken.
The NSW Police Force says it 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 urged 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 the Crime Stoppers website or phone 1800 333 000.
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