Man, 46, accused of stealing more than $35,000 of Rural Fire Service (RFS) equipment in Clarence Valley
After police were told of a large-scale Rural Fire Service break-in, they allegedly uncovered quite a haul during a raid on a remote northern NSW property. Here’s what we know.
Police & Courts
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After police were told of a large-scale Rural Fire Service break-in, they allegedly uncovered quite a haul during a raid on a man’s remote northern NSW property.
The firefighting service’s shed on Clarence Way, Fine Flower, about 70 kilometres west of Yamba in the Clarence Valley was targeted sometime between April 10 and April 14.
Police were told more than $35,000 worth of equipment was stolen from the brigade, including chainsaws, generators, firefighting and communications gear.
The fire service describes itself as the “lead combat agency for bush fires in NSW” – and has been busy tackling blazes across northern NSW recently.
Officers from the NSW Police Northern Zone Rural Crime Prevention Team launched an investigation into the stolen gear.
Now, police allege they have made a major breakthrough in the case after a raid was carried out at a property on Stockyard Creek Rd, Stockyard Creek about 9.30am on Wednesday.
It’s alleged officers found items “believed to been stolen”, including firefighting equipment, a chainsaw, a petrol blower, medical and communications equipment.
“The search also allegedly revealed a firearm, 2.2 kilograms of cannabis, 652 grams of cannabis seeds and seven cannabis plants,” a police statement read.
It’s alleged officers found items “believed to been stolen”, including firefighting equipment, a chainsaw, a petrol blower, medical and communications equipment.
“The search also allegedly revealed a firearm, 2.2 kilograms of cannabis, 652 grams of cannabis seeds and seven cannabis plants,” a police statement read.
The items were seized and will be forensically examined, according to police.
A 46-year-old man was arrested and taken to Grafton Police Station.
He has been charged with two counts of possessing prohibited drugs and one count each of cultivating a prohibited plant, receiving/disposing of stolen property, possessing an unregistered firearm and not keeping a firearm safely.
He was refused bail to face Grafton Local Court earlier on Thursday.
Police asked anyone with information to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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