Victoria Police unable to fully investigate crime because they’re being ‘stonewalled’
This theft was caught on CCTV and the victim had a way of tracking down the person responsible, but police said they were “stonewalled” before dropping the investigation. Here’s what happened
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Police abandoned an investigation into an Uber Eats driver who stole an iPhone during a delivery because the US giant “stonewalled” the probe.
It has led to calls for an urgent review into the case amid fears officers are ditching investigations into so-called minor crimes too early, allowing criminals across Victoria to escape punishment.
CCTV recorded the delivery driver during the incident in Ripponlea in September.
After making a delivery the driver walks past a table with a phone on it. The driver pauses, quickly checks if he is being watched, before taking the phone and leaving.
Victim David Hoffman handed CCTV of the incident and a reference number for the delivery to police and thought it would be an easy crime to solve.
But after a lot of to and fro with Victoria Police, Mr Hoffman was shocked to receive an email last month from the police effectively saying the crime was too hard to solve.
The email, sent from a First Constable at St Kilda police station, stated: “Thanks for your patience on this one, I have followed up UBER a number of times and unfortunately they are stonewalling me also.
“They are refusing to supply police with any information about the driver and requested that police make an application for a warrant via USA for any information. I am sorry I couldn’t help you any further, I imagine this is super frustrating for you also as it is for me.”
Mr Hoffman said he was surprised at the police response.
“It seems incredible that Uber sits above the law,” he said.
“It seems that any Uber delivery person can help themselves to other’s property and feel pretty comfortable that there will be no punishment.”
Opposition police spokesman David Southwick said he was alarmed at the police response to the theft.
“It’s appalling that someone should escape our laws just because they work for a foreign owned company,” Mr Southwick said.
“Daniel Andrews must urgently investigate this matter and provide Victoria Police with the powers and resources to pursue offenders regardless of who employs them.”
A Victoria Police spokesman confirmed police had investigated the theft.
“After assessing all available evidence from this investigation, there was insufficient material to lead to a criminal prosecution,” he said. “The investigation has concluded however any new evidence or information … would be assessed by police.”
In a statement Uber said the process to help Victoria Police in this case was more straightforward than the officer had suggested.
“To provide personal information of an individual valid legal process (like a subpoena or search warrant for example) needs to be provided — in this case I understand the officer was asked to send this to a Victorian address (not to a US address) in order for the request to be processed,” spokeswoman Carissa Simons said.
“Uber has a 24/7 law enforcement team that regularly assists police with investigations.
“This includes former Australian police officers, one of whom is based in Melbourne and is on hand to assist Australian police with their inquiries.”
MORE POLICE AND COURTS
INMATE DIES DAYS AFTER SAVAGE BASHING AT PORT PHILLIP