YARRAWONGA, VIC. — Three people have been arrested after jewellery was allegedly stolen from several homes getting painted across the Moira Shire, with some then onsold to a local jeweller.
Police believe two tradespeople were contracted to carry out work on multiple houses between January 2025 and June this year. Still, instead of finishing the work, they are accused of stealing goods, including a large array of jewellery.
It’s alleged some of the jewellery was then pawned at a local jewellery store.
Following enquiries, officers from the Cobram Crime Investigation Unit executed search warrants at a home on Zorro Drive and a business on Belmore Street in Yarrawonga on Thursday, June 4.
Three people – two men and a woman – were arrested, and several pieces of jewellery were seized.
A 35-year-old man was charged with three counts of burglary and three counts of thefts. He was bailed to appear in Cobram Magistrates’ Court on December 15.
The 27-year-old woman was interviewed and released pending summons.
A 68-year-old man is expected to be charged on summons with operating without a second-hand dealer’s licence.
Police will allege in court that the trio stole from four homes; however, it is believed they were contracted to work on several dozen more.
As enquiries continue, police want to reunite the pieces of jewellery with their rightful owners.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim of a similar crime, or has any further information that may assist investigators, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Alternatively, they can call Cobram Investigators on (03) 5871 2866.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
