QUEENSCLIFF: Drugs, stolen items found in car
An alleged serial thief was arrested and had a carful of stolen property seized after being caught up with by Water Police in Queenscliff.
The Water Police Squad – which has a new permanent base at Queenscliff – was called to reports of a man behaving suspiciously near the Pilot’s Station foreshore about 9am on Monday, February 3.
Shortly after officers located 45-year-old man inside a vehicle which was parked a short distance away in Weeroona Pde carpark.
A search of his car located a quantity of methylamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, as well as a large amount of allegedly stolen property including:
• A bronze grave plaque which was allegedly stolen from the Point Lonsdale Cemetery in late 2024;
• More than 50 four-litre tins of commercial grade “Moro” branded olive oil;
• More than 50 supermarket meat trays valued at more than $800;
• More than 50 jars of honey;
• A power drill;
• An axe;
• More than 30 pairs of socks and two pairs of boots with tags attached;
• Implements including gloves, a torch, hammer, pliers, sidecutters and tape;
• Copper wire and pipes;
• Perfume and deodorant; and
• Fishing equipment including sabiki rigs, hooks, sinkers and rod bells which was allegedly stolen from a Wallington service station on January 1.
Police will allege the man’s excuse for the stolen items was ‘going fishing’.
Investigators have notified the family of the allegedly stolen memorial plaque and it will be returned to them in due course.
The Taylors Hill man was charged with 10 offences including theft, possessing a drug of dependence (methylamphetamine), obtain property the proceeds of crime and possessing house breaking implements or going equipped to steal.
He was bailed to appear before the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on April 7.
Police from Bellarine Police Station in Ocean Grove have taken carriage of the investigation.
The Water Police Squad opened a permanent base at Queenscliff Police Station last year to expand its statewide reach.
The new base, which houses two highly experienced marine operators fulltime, uses a birth at the nearby Queenscliff Harbour.
Anyone with information about suspicious activity in the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Inspector James Dalton, Water Police Squad, said: “Water police spend most of their time on the water, but when alleged crimes occur on land, they have no hesitation in responding.
“Our top priority is keeping the Queenscliff community safe, and we will continue to do so with regular patrols across our foreshores.”