‘Bitumen bandit’ Dean Peter Mitchell from UK pleads guilty to dishonestly obtaining property by deception in Tweed court
A so-called “bitumen bandit” from the United Kingdom has been busted operating on the North Coast. He’s faced court and the matter has been referred to Australian Border Force.
Police & Courts
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A so-called “bitumen bandit” from the UK has been busted operating on the North Coast.
United Kingdom man Dean Peter Mitchell pleaded guilty at Tweed Heads Local Court on Wednesday to dishonestly obtaining property by deception.
“Bitumen bandits” generally offer to lay bitumen at a good price, but do not start jobs once a deposit is made, do a sub-par job or demand more money than initially quoted.
Murwillumbah officers from the Tweed/Byron Police District received a report about “travelling bitumen bandits” at Kite Crescent, South Murwillumbah about 4.30pm on Tuesday.
Officers seized a ute, trailer and roller, while Mitchell was taken to Tweed Heads Police Station, charged and refused bail.
The matter was also referred to Australian Border Force, according to police.
Mitchell faced Tweed Heads Local Court on Wednesday.
Magistrate Geoff Dunlevy convicted Mitchell and sentenced him to a two-year community correction order.
Police thanked the community for their assistance.
“Tweed-Byron Police District will continue to disrupt and respond to fraudulent activity,” a statement read.
“Murwillumbah Police thank the local community for their vigilance and co-operation.”
Speaking generally, Tweed police provided tips for residents to avoid being defrauded, attributing information to Queensland Police.
“The way the fraudsters engage with residents is intimidating and aggressive, often resulting in residents paying over fears for their safety,” a statement read.
Tweed residents were warned offenders may “approach residents going door to door” and “speak with a strong Irish, Scottish or English accent”.
Anyone who has a run-in with a “bitumen bandit” should phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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