Christmas postage: Blackburn courier arrested with alleged $50,000 of stolen packages

A Blackburn courier has been arrested after a $50,000 haul of allegedly stolen packages, including Christmas gifts, were found at his home.

A Blackburn man has been dubbed a ‘grinch’ after $50,000 of stolen packages were alegedly found at his home. File picture.

A Blackburn courier driver has been arrested after police allegedly found a $50,000 stash of Christmas gifts and other packages at his home.

Whitehorse police got the alleged grinch after they raided the 30-year-old man’s home on December 3 and found about 60 allegedly stolen packages.

Detectives believe the packages were allegedly taken by the man from mid-October to early December, either from a depot or skimmed off the top of multiple deliveries.

Some of the parcels were destined for homes in Kilsyth, including a hoverboard intended for an eight-year-old boy and children’s clothing sent by a grandma in the UK.

Other items in the parcel stash included toys, electronics, a barbecue and a bulk buy box of toilet paper.

Whitehorse detective Acting Senior Sergeant Graham Ross said the find was “a great result for those with missing Christmas items”.

“While most people are getting into the festive spirit at this time of year, we unfortunately do come across dishonest behaviour from time to time,” he said.

“To those who think they can pinch other people’s parcels and get away with it, you won’t just end up on Santa’s naughty list this year – police will find you and put you before a court.”

Many of the parcels have since been returned to various courier companies for delivery to their intended recipients.

The man was charged with one count of allegedly handling stolen goods and will face Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on May 5.

Officers expect to further charges and are continuing their investigations.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.