Alleged Taree flood looters arrested and charged
Two men have faced court charged with looting in the wake of the deadly, record-breaking floods that have devastated communities on the Mid-North Coast. Get the latest from court.
Mid-North Coast
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Two men have faced court charged with looting in the wake of the deadly, record-breaking floods that have devastated communities on the Mid-North Coast.
About 8.40pm on Sunday, police stopped 20-year-old man Cooper Crouch on Pulteney St, Taree, when he was allegedly found picking through property in the street.
Police allege that when he was stopped, he was in possession of two hunting knives, first aid kits, a defibrillator, several fishing rods and other medical items and tools.
Crouch was taken to Taree Police Station where he was charged with having goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen, and custody of a knife in a public place.
He was formally refused bail to appear before Forster Local Court on Tuesday, June 10.
In an unrelated incident, police stopped and searched a 4WD on Albert Street, Taree, about 10.40pm on Sunday.
When personal documents, tools, and a knife were allegedly located inside the vehicle, the driver – a 29-year-old man – was arrested and taken to Taree Police Station.
He was charged with having goods in personal custody suspected being stolen, custody of a knife in a public place, licence expired within the last two years, and stealing.
He was granted conditional bail to appear at Taree Local Court on Tuesday June 17.
As floodwaters recede, officers attached to Manning/Great Lakes Police District – with assistance from Polair – have increased proactive patrols to target theft and property offences in the region.
Detective Inspector Natalie Antaw has assured the public that police are performing additional patrols around the clock, and extra resources have been assigned to prevent and disrupt further offending.
“We encourage the public to report any suspicious behaviour to police as soon as possible so that we can take action,” she said.
“I’d also like to remind people that taking any goods that are not yours, no matter where they are found, is an offence – even if the items have been moved from their original place by floodwaters.”
Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell has issued a firm warning in the wake of the arrests.
“The impact of this weather event has been unimaginable and to think they now have to be concerned about hanging on to whatever property they have left is a disgrace,” he said.
“Stealing from people vulnerable during hard times like these is un-Australian.”
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