A man has been charged with 16 property-related offences, including an incident where property was allegedly stolen from hospital patients in Gosford.
Police from Brisbane Water Local Area Command commenced investigations after property was reported stolen from two patients undergoing treatment at a hospital in Gosford on Wednesday, October 21. Officers were able to identify the man who allegedly used several stolen credit cards at stores around Gosford.
The man was also linked to an incident on Wednesday, November 11, when two cars were allegedly broken into in a car park on Racecourse Rd. On Tuesday, December 1, the man was also allegedly linked to another incident at the hospital when a phone charging station was stolen.
About 12.20am on the morning of Thursday, December 10, patrolling officers spotted a black Holden Commodore in the forecourt of a service station on the Pacific Hwy at Wyoming. Officers stopped and spoke to the occupants and allegedly recognised one of the occupants.
The man was arrested and searched. During the search, officers allegedly located jewellery and other property believed to be stolen and housebreaking implements on his person.
The 48-year-old man was taken to Gosford Police Station where he was charged with 16 offences: obtain benefit by deception (x9); destroy/damage property (x2); steal from motor vehicle (x2); steal fixture from building; goods in custody; and possess housebreaking implements.
The man was formally refused bail to appear before Gosford Local Court on Thursday, December, 10. Brisbane Water Local Area commander, superintendent Danny Sullivan, said the arrest was a testament to proactive efforts by offi cers to reduce crime in the local area.
“Having property stolen is always heartbreaking, but to have property stolen while undergoing treatment in hospital is a particularly low act,” Spt Sullivan said. “The arrest of this man reflects the daily dedication and commitment of my officers to keep the people of the Central Coast safe and secure,” he said.
Media release,
Dec 10, 2015
NSW Police Media