A Shorewell man has been charged with several matters including the theft of a vehicle recovered in Somerset this morning.
Around 6.50am this morning, a red 2016 Ford Everest was reported stolen to police. Information from the public indicated that the vehicle was travelling on East Cam Road near Somerset and police resources, including a drone, were deployed to search the area.
During the search, police recovered the stolen vehicle in bushland off Oak Avenue. Police also located a 28-year-old Shorewell man at a Simpson Street address and have charged him with several matters including motor vehicle stealing, aggravated burglary, burglary, trespass, assault, evade police, drive whilst disqualified and dangerous driving. He will appear before the Burnie Magistrates Court later today.
Due to the close proximity of the police search to the Somerset Primary School, the school enacted lockdown procedures for a short time as a precaution. "At no time were staff or children placed at risk and, after a great job in enacting the lockdown procedures, resumed their normal day" said Sergeant James Scicluna.
"This was a fantastic police response and, as a result, not only have we been able to promptly return a stolen vehicle back to its owner but also take a suspect who is wanted for a number of matters into custody."
Police would like to thank the public for their assistance today and ask anyone with dash cam or smart phone vision of the red Ford Everest travelling this morning to upload it to investigators at https://taspol.au.evidence.com/axon/citizen/public/policeseekvisionofstolenred2016fordeverest
Any information pertaining to criminal or unsocial behaviour can be provided to police on 131 444 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
This incident is not related to any other matters in the Somerset area in recent weeks.
