Man charged with vehicle theft and other offences
A 34-year-old Oaks Estate man has been charged with vehicle theft and other offences after he was detained by members of the public yesterday afternoon.
About 4.40pm yesterday (Friday, 3 December 2021), the man allegedly entered the Lakeside Leisure Centre in Greenway and stole a sports bag and a backpack.
He returned to the carpark and entered a Toyota 4WD that had been reported stolen on the 1st of December 2021.
A short time later he left the 4WD and was observed trying to locate a vehicle using a key fob. The owner of one of the bags shouted at the man and he got back into the Toyota 4WD as it departed the carpark.
Soon after, staff at the centre heard a collision in the carpark and allegedly saw the same man attempting to push a Mitsubishi utility off a Holden Captiva that it had collided with.
He re-entered the Mitsubishi utility where he was engaged by staff and bystanders until he left the utility. At that point, those present detained him until police arrived a short time later.
The 34-year-old man was arrested and charged with two counts of theft, two counts of ride/drive a motor vehicle without consent, property damage and possession of stolen property.
He is expected to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court today (Saturday, 4 December 2021).
Police are reminding people to secure their valuables. If visiting gyms and pools please use lockers or other secure locations if they are available.
Anyone with information about vehicle thefts in the ACT is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
Media enquiries
Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au