Police from Strike Force Bandit have arrested a man over the theft of Bluey commemorative coins. Photo: NSW Police.
Strike Force Bandit is continuing investigations into a heist that saw 63,000 unreleased limited edition Bluey coins – produced by the Australian Mint – stolen from a warehouse.
Bandit is the name of Bluey’s father in the popular children’s show that spawned the commemorative coins or “dollarbucks”.
A man will face court today, charged by Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives, for allegedly stealing and selling the unreleased limited edition $1 coins from Sydney’s west earlier this year.
On Monday, 12 July 2024, police received a report that a large amount of currency had been stolen from a warehouse in Wetherill Park.
Officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command arrived and were told that 63,000 unreleased limited edition $1 Bluey coins had been taken.
An investigation into the incident was commenced by State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad under Strike Force Bandit.
Following extensive investigations, detectives executed a search warrant at a property in Sefton at about 7:25 am on Wednesday, 31 July 2024.
Police allegedly recovered 189 of these limited edition Bluey coins. Photo: NSW Police.
During the search, detectives located and seized 189 unreleased limited edition Bluey coins as well as some electronic devices.
Following further inquiries, strike force detectives – with assistance from Raptor Squad – executed a search warrant at a home in Westmead at about 7 am today (7 August), where they arrested a 47-year-old man.
The man was taken to Granville Police Station where he was charged with three counts of break and enter commit serious indictable offence.
The 47-year-old was to appear before Parramatta Local Court today.
The coins are now selling for 10 times their value. Photo: NSW Police.
Police will allege the man was an employee at the warehouse where he located and stole the Australian Mint packages from the back of a truck on Sunday, 23 June.
Police will further allege the man sold the coins online hours after he stole them. They are now being sold online for 10 times their face value.
The limited edition coins caused long lines to form outside the Australian Mint when they were released in June.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence.
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