Man arrested in underground car park

ACT Policing arrested a 35-year-old Scullin man in an underground car park in Gungahlin for attempting to break into vehicles last night (28 July).

About 11.15pm, police received a report from a member of the public that a man had entered the underground car park of an apartment complex on Gungahlin Place, Gungahlin, and appeared suspicious. ACT Policing Gungahlin Patrol members attended and located the man hiding in a service area of the basement.

Police apprehended the man, who was in possession of tools and items suspected to be stolen. He was taken to Gungahlin Police Station and was later charged with trespass, going equipped for theft, possessing stolen property, providing a false name and attempting to escape custody. The 35-year-old man will face the ACT Magistrates Court this afternoon.

Gungahlin Acting Station Sergeant Chris Bird praised the actions of the member of the public who called police.

“This person did the right thing – they saw something that looked suspicious and they called the police. Often people will assume that someone else will do something, but this person took it upon themselves to take action.”

“If you see someone who looks suspicious, loitering near cars or looking into vehicles, someone you don’t usually see in your complex, then call the police.”

“If you’ve had your car broken into, even if it was unlocked or nothing was taken, report it to police on 131-444.”

Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.