Investigations into multiple thefts at a National Storage facility in Edmonton
Thieves have targeted a popular storage facility in Far North Queensland six times, with one victim losing almost $20,000 worth of goods at once.
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Thieves have targeted a popular storage facility in Far North Queensland six times, with one victim losing almost $20,000 worth of goods at once.
Edmonton Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) said the thefts took places between June and September 2024 at a Hargreaves Street storage facility.
Resident and victim, Joshua Ratcliffe, said with crime out of control across the region, national facilities were no longer safe.
“With break-ins on the rise in Cairns, we can’t even safely store our valuables at a nationally recognised facility, which is being repeatedly targeted,” he said.
In early September, Mr Ratcliffe discovered the storage unit he had been renting was “almost emptied” and about $17,000 worth of goods gone.
Despite paying $330 a month for a “secure” storage unit, the international photographer said he was shocked to find only a fraction of his belongings remained.
“These units are advertised to keep your items safe and secure,” he said.
“I don’t know how many other people are potentially paying for units which are empty, and they don’t even know it.”
Among his missing items were professional tools, video and photo equipment, and ‘priceless’ family memorabilia.
“The issue is, how do you prove ownership of things like a painting my daughter made when she was in third grade or a gift my wife gave me four years ago?” he said.
“No one keeps receipts for those types of things.”
No arrests have been made or stolen items recovered.
Mr Ratcliffe said he doesn’t feel he has been provided with the service he was “sold”.
“They are all very quick to take our money, but when it is time to be accountable and make things right with their customers they are nowhere to be found,” he said.
A spokeswoman from Queensland Police Services said detectives from the Edmonton Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB) were investigating the thefts.
“A National Storage facility in Far North Queensland is being investigated following reports of customers’ stolen goods,” she said.
“Between June 2024 and September 2024, six storage units were entered and various items were stolen.”
Investigations are continuing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward.
In a statement, National Storage, said: “Crawford & Company is an independent provider of claims management solutions for insurance companies and self-insured entities.
“We are not authorised to speak on behalf of our clients or discuss any aspects of their business, as all information regarding claims is confidential.”
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Originally published as Investigations into multiple thefts at a National Storage facility in Edmonton
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