Detectives investigating the organised theft of cash and jewellery have laid additional charges in relation to the activities of an alleged crime syndicate, NSW Police say.
Last month, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Property Crime Squad established Strike Force Brilliant to investigate a number of targeted thefts and break and enter offences throughout Sydney.
A pattern of conduct is for thieves to distract victims while other syndicate members steal the victim's property.
Strike force investigators, assisted by officers from the North West Metropolitan Region Enforcement Squad and Operation Countdown, are investigating more than 18 different incidents mainly targeting jewellery dealers and members of the public making withdrawals at financial institutions.
Following further inquiries, strike force investigators laid additional charges against six members of the group last Wednesday (4 October 2017).
Four men – aged 23, 30, 43, and 53 – were charged with shoplifting, larceny, and make false statement to officer, purpose of Migration Act.
Police will allege in court the charges relate to the theft of sunglasses valued at more than $9,000 from a store at Chatswood, and the theft of jewellery valued at more than $500,000 from Fairfield.
They were all refused bail and appeared at Central Local Court last Thursday (5 October 2017), where they were formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Thursday 16 November 2017.
A 34-year-old man was charged with two counts of steal from person, and make false statement to officer, purpose of Migration Act, and a 39-year-old man was charged with make false statement to officer, purpose of Migration Act.
Both men refused bail and appeared at Central Local Court last Thursday, where they were formally refused bail to appear at the same court on Thursday 30 November 2017.
About 8.30am on Friday (6 October 2017), strike force investigators executed two search warrants at homes on Wilson Road, Green Valley, and Byrock Place, Hinchinbrook.
Police seized cash, jewellery, cannabis, a laptop, various items of clothing, and documentation.
Investigations are continuing and further arrests are expected.
Police are urging anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Brilliant investigators to call Crime Stoppers.
