Media Release
Luxury boat rebirthing operation closes
Three people have been charged following the dismantling of a well-organised boat re-birthing syndicate operating on the Gold Coast
Yesterday police from the State Crime Operations Command Organised Crime Investigation Unit closed a major investigation into the theft and re-birthing of six boats (including four luxury boats), trailers and excavation equipment.
The four boats, allegedly stolen from Gold Coast waterways and addresses, ranged in value from $65,000 to $140,000. A backhoe (worth approximately $150,000), two dinghies and three boat trailers were also stolen and re-birthed as part of the operation.
The investigation commenced after a report was made to police regarding anomalies in the identification details of a boat acquired by a victim in NSW following an online transaction.
Investigations undertaken by organised crime detectives identified the boat had been stolen from a Gold Coast waterway in May 2009. Further investigations by the group uncovered the re-birthing operation and identified the boats, excavators and trailers.
A 35-year-old Wishart man has been charged with nine counts of stealing and five counts of fraud (dishonestly obtaining motor vehicles) and will appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 9.
A 46-year-old Crestmead woman was charged late last year with two counts of stealing and a number of drug related matters. A 33-year-old Broadbeach Waters man has been charged with three counts of stealing and two counts of fraud (dishonestly obtain motor vehicle). He will also appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 9
Detective Inspector Mark Ainsworth of the Organised Crime Group said these crimes are often opportunistic and taking the steps to securing your property should be a priority.
“This is a unique offence but not uncommon. Many offenders are out there ready to prey on unsuspecting vendors. It is important the community remains vigilant and does their homework before committing to a deal that seems almost too good to be true.
“We often see these types of offences where expensive boats and machinery are stolen during the middle of the day. It is important for anyone with this type of equipment to invest in some good security measures. We would also suggest anyone purchasing equipment to record the identification details of your vessel and to take digital photographs to assist in the identification process should it ever be stolen,” he said.
The owners of the stolen property have been identified.
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