A Meadow Heights man has been charged with stealing power tools valued at more than $30,000.
Investigators from the Broadmeadows CIU conducted a search warrant on a Keilor Downs property on May 7, where they discovered hundreds of stolen power tools.
Daniel Liddy, 26, was subsequently remanded in custody charged with numerous theft and driving offences. A 50-year-old Keilor Downs man is assisting detectives with their investigation.
Hume crime prevention officer Leading Senior Constable Jacqui Newman said the tools are believed to be owned by tradesmen who have had their cars broken into at Tullamarine, Gladstone Park, Greenvale and Attwood.
She said “tradie-type vehicles” had been targeted by thieves recently.
Police are now trying to track the owners of hundreds of recovered tools.
Leading Senior Constable Newman said too many tradesmen who reported their tools stolen were unable to provide police with serial numbers for each missing item.
She advised tradies to keep a registry of serial numbers to speed up the recovery process if their tools were stolen.
“And mark your property with a name or drivers licence,” she said.
“Tradies, particularly, need to ensure that they are able to secure their tools and equipment if they leave them in their work vehicles.”
People who have had tools stolen can view the tools that were recovered on Saturday at 10am at Broadmeadows Police Station. You must call the Vehicle Crime Reduction Team on 9302 8211 before attending and speak to First Constable Chuck or Sergeant Bliss. Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
