A Sydney man has been arrested for allegedly stealing $600,000 worth of limited edition Bluey coins before they were officially released. The 47-year-old man reportedly worked at a warehouse in Wetherill Park where the coins were stored. He allegedly took 63,000 coins and sold them online for ten times their face value. Police from the State Crime Command’s Robbery and Serious Crime Squad conducted a search at a property in Western Sydney where they found 189 unreleased coins and electronic devices. The man was arrested and charged with three counts of break and enter. He was denied bail and is set to appear before the Parramatta Local Court. The investigation by Strike Force Bandit is ongoing.
In June, the Royal Australian Mint released three uncirculated Bluey coins featuring characters from the popular children’s show. The coins paid tribute to the show created by Australian animator Joe Brumm, which gained international popularity since its debut in October 2018. The coins were highly anticipated and sold for nearly $900 on eBay, even though they were initially priced at $20 for one coin or $55 for a set of three. The theft of the coins by the warehouse employee highlights the demand and value associated with limited edition collectibles. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of security measures when handling valuable items, especially those with a high market demand.
The case also sheds light on the lucrative world of online sales and the potential risks associated with unauthorized reselling of stolen goods. The man’s actions not only resulted in financial losses for the company but also disrupted the distribution of the limited edition coins to legitimate buyers. The successful police operation and arrest of the suspect demonstrate the importance of law enforcement efforts in combating theft and protecting valuable assets.
Furthermore, the incident raises questions about the security protocols in place at warehouses and storage facilities where valuable items are kept. Employers may need to reassess their security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Additionally, consumers should be cautious when purchasing limited edition items from unofficial sources to avoid supporting illegal activities. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of buying goods from unauthorized sellers and the potential consequences of engaging in illicit transactions.
