Blacktown police have arrested two people allegedly involved in large scale property theft across Sydney on behalf of a foreign criminal syndicate.
In July 2024, officers attached to Blacktown Police Area Command commenced Strike Force Louth to investigate the theft of an estimated $400,000 worth of jewellery from a business in Blacktown.
As part of investigations police identified that the theft was linked to a Columbian crime syndicate that was allegedly involved in multiple thefts in the Burwood, Auburn, Campsie and St George areas.
These alleged thefts targeted elderly members of the public with an estimated $700,000 worth of jewellery and cash being allegedly stolen from older Australians between July and October 2024.
Following extensive investigations, police arrested two Colombian nationals – a man and woman both aged 47 – at a restaurant on Sussex Street, Sydney, yesterday (Tuesday 15 October 2024).
On the same day, officers executed a search warrant at a home on Mimosa Road, Greenacre, where police located and seized jewellery, diamonds – hidden throughout the home – cash and designer clothing.
Both the man and woman were charged with larceny value more than $15,000, steal from the person value more than $5,000 and participate criminal group contribute criminal activity.
Police will allege in court the pair distracted older members of the public by dropping money in front of them before stealing cash and high value items from them. These stolen items were sent to Spain and Colombia.
Both people were refused bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court today (Wednesday 16 October 2024).
Investigations under Strike Force Louth continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators 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.
