Image: Tyler Olson, Shutterstock
by GRACE JOHNSON
Two real-life ‘Grinches’ have been charged after they allegedly stole Christmas presents from several homes across Sydney’s west.
“Police located and seized multiple allegedly stolen items including vacuum cleaners, luxury brand bags and shoes,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“A 48-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman were arrested at the property before being taken to Granville Police Station.”
The man was charged with 12 offences including deception, breaking and entering and stealing up to $60,000 and possession of a prohibited drug, while the woman was charged seven counts of dishonestly obtaining property by means of deception.
As thousands of Sydney-siders head out of the city for the holidays, NSW Police have issued a warning to the public to take extra precautions when leaving their houses empty.
Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith urged the public to make sure to check their mailbox and location of spare keys before leaving for holiday season.
“During the Christmas and the end of year period, empty mailboxes and houses often become a target of theft,” he said.
“We remind people going on a holiday trip to make sure they lock their mailbox and house properly and empty the mailbox before leaving,” he continued.
“Attaching a ‘No junk mail’ sticker on mailbox could be a good option.”
The holiday season has seen a spike in theft and breaking and entering.
On Thursday December 28, it was revealed that a woman would face court over an alleged theft of mail in Sydney’s west.
The investigation commenced in November following several reports of break and enter in the Homebush area. Following extensive inquiries, detectives arrested a 25-year-old woman.
She was taken to Auburn Police Station where she was charged with possess prohibited drug, larceny, goods suspected stolen in/on premises, and destroy or damage property.
In light of these recent charges, police are urging the public to take extra care this holiday season as they head out of the city.
