Esther Mapes: Batemans Bay woman pleads not guilty to stealing children’s toys, cosmetics

A South Coast woman allegedly stole $15,000 worth in children’s toys, including Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars, to resell on the popular online Facebook Marketplace. Read the latest.

EDITOR'S NOTE:  On 16 December 2022 at Moruya Local Court the entire case against Ms Mapes was dropped. Ms Mapes is no longer facing any charges in relation to this matter.

 

 

A Batemans Bay woman who allegedly stole $15,000 worth in children’s toys, including Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars, to resell on the popular online Facebook Marketplace has had her hearing date decided.

Esther Mapes, 58, pleaded not guilty at the Batemans Bay Local Court in August to unlawfully obtaining certain goods after a raid on her Batehaven home by NSW Police in June.

Officers from the South Coast Police District had launched an investigation earlier this year into the thefts after receiving information that a large quantity of items were being sold online, according to a police statement.

Police allege that during a search of Mapes’ home on June 16, a number of items believed stolen were located, including Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars; other children’s toys; cosmetic and fishing products.

Mapes will appear before the Moruya Local Court on December 16 for hearing, after the date was decided by Magistrate Doug Dick at the Batemans Bay Local Court on September 12.

Mr Dick told the court Mapes’ solicitor, South Coast-based lawyer Keely Boom, would be calling four witnesses.