AN alert courier driver was able to have his van stopped by remote-control after it was stolen from outside a house in Mt Eliza where he was making a delivery, Wednesday 13 February.

The van was immobilised when the van was within two blocks – still giving the thieves time to transfer two dozen packages and parcels into a waiting station wagon before making their getaway. 

A man, 28, and woman, 27, both of the Somerville area, appeared before Frankston Magistrates’ Court, Friday 15 February, charged with more than 60 theft-related offences. (See Arrested delivery The News 19/2/19). They were further remanded to appear at the same court next month.

Detective Craig Goudie, of Frankston CIU, said the man was facing 35 charges and the woman 27 charges of theft, burglary, theft of cars, theft from cars and “many more charges to come” before their next court appearances. 

He said it was “common knowledge” among thieves that courier vans had immobilisers fitted allowing them time to drive only two or three blocks before their engines cut out. 

“In this case the man jumped into the van [which had been left running in Boxmoor Court] and the woman followed him to a designated spot to unload the parcels,” Detective Goudie said.

“They then drove to Chelsea where they were attempting to dump unwanted items into a skip bin behind the shops but were disturbed by a shopkeeper.   

“One parcel contained $600 in books for a Mt Eliza student.”

The pair was found asleep in a stolen car at Black Rock, 2am, Thursday 14 February, before they allegedly rammed a police car, injuring one officer. They were apprehended in Brighton soon after while attempting to flee on foot. 

Bail was not requested at the court hearing and no pleas entered.

Detective Goudie said jewellery allegedly stolen from a peninsula property was found in the stolen car.

First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 26 February 2019