Police encourage CCTV following streak of suspects caught on camera



Police encourage CCTV following streak of suspects caught on camera

Friday April 4 2014

Police have used closed circuit television footage to apprehend three suspects alleged to have stolen goods from Port Douglas businesses in the last week. 

Authorities said the spate of property related offences comes in the lead up to the peak tourism season and are warning store owners and staff to remain 'vigilant'. 

On Thursday police charged a 34-year old New South Wales woman following investigations into the theft of clothing and personal items from several retail businesses and a pharmacy in Port Douglas. 

Sergeant Damian Meadows praised the stores' staff members who were able to give critical information to police and find footage of the alleged thefts.  

"Predominantly she seems to have targeted fashion stores, looking for clothing and jewellery," Sgt Meadows said. 

"Without the aid of security cameras in some instances the alleged incidents probably wouldn't have even come to the attention to the store's proprietors."

The woman was charged with seven counts of stealing and two counts of possession of a drug utensil and one count of tainted property suspected to be stolen. 

A 24-year old woman has also been charged after allegedly stealing alcohol from a Port Douglas bottle shop.

The woman, who is believed to be a tourist, allegedly stole one bottle of wine and a bottle of spirits.

Sgt Meadows said thefts by visitors to the region were notoriously difficult to apprehend. 

"Quite often they're gone within a day or two so they're quite hard to follow up sometimes," he said.

On Monday police charged a 54-year old Julatten man with two counts of stealing, one count of fraud, and two counts of attempted fraud.

The man allegedly entered Cornett's IGA empty handed on Saturday, March 22 at around 10:20am. 

Police allege the man took items from the supermarket shelves and then presented to the front counter requesting a refund for the goods.

The man then allegedly left the shop with the items he had taken from the supermarket.

He is currently on bail and is not allowed to visit the business precincts of Mossman or Port Douglas until he appears in court.

Sgt Meadows said CCTV had been extremely valuable to police in all three instances. 

"The installation and use of closed circuit TV has been instrumental and aided us in completing a timely and thorough investigation," he said.

The apprehended man and women are scheduled to appear in the Mossman Magistrates Court on April 30.