AN Australia Post contractor has been charged with criminal theft and theft of mail items after Rosebud police and Australia Post found more than $10,000 worth of allegedly stolen parcels at his Mount Waverley home.

Acting Sergeant Ron Trainer, of Rosebud police, said an investigation was launched after a large number of packages were reported missing around the Rosebud, Rye, Tootgarook, Portsea and Sorrento areas from August to October.

The Sri Lankan national was arrested at the Rosebud distribution centre in front of “stunned” colleagues on 21 October. Police later searched the man’s apartment which was said to be “chockers” with items in the wardrobe, hallway and under the bed.

They allegedly found 67 of the missing packages while other items may have been sold off. Items recovered include two pairs of women’s designer shoes valued at $1000 a pair, children’s toys, power tools, kitchen appliances, fitness equipment, homewares, cosmetics, computer accessories, high-end liquor, personalised gifts and electronic devices.

The 24-year-old was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates Court on 20 July.

Acting Sergeant Trainer said police were delivering the packages to their intended recipients, including a grandmother who was happy to be reunited with a backyard soccer set she bought for her grandson to use during lockdown.

Anyone with information in relation to parcel theft is urged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au

First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 10 November 2020