Strike Force Dozer: Malcom Thomas charged with damaging property worth $440k in Gilgandra

A man has been charged with property-related offences after allegedly damaging heavy machinery worth $440,000 in the state’s central west. Here’s the latest.

Dubbo courthouse. Picture: Ryan Young

A man has been charged with destroying property, with an estimated value of more than $400,000, in the state’s central west following an investigation into property-related crime.

Orana Mid-Western Police District and the Rural Crime Prevention Team established Strike Force Dozer in March 2023 to investigate rural property crime throughout Narromine, Warren, Trangie, Nyngan, Cobar and Peak Hill.

As part of ongoing inquiries, officers attended a home on Waugan St, Gilgandra, about 9.20am today, and arrested a 35-year-old man.

Malcom Thomas was taken to Gilgandra Police Station and charged with entering a building with an intention to commit an indictable offence, break and enter a dwelling and larceny value.

He was also charged with destroying or damaging property over $15,000 and stealing a vehicle.

Police claim that 1000 litres of diesel were stolen along with other items of property.

Police allege heavy machinery valued at $440,000 was also damaged.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Thomas was bail refused and will next appear via audiovisual link on April 3.

Investigations are continuing.