A man and woman have been charged following an investigation into multiple alleged property offences committed upon newsagents, tobacconists and convenience stores across Sydney.
Police will allege in court that between Wednesday 19 February 2020 and Sunday 15 March 2020, several break-ins were reported at stores in Turrella, Mascot, Bronte, Clovelly, Meadowbank, Rhodes, Wentworth Point and Earlwood.
It’s also alleged that more than $100,000 in cash, cigarettes and other goods were stolen during the break-ins.
As a result, detectives from South Sydney Police Area Command formed Strike Force Bettowynd to investigate the matters.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives, assisted by Operation ODIN, executed a search warrant at a unit in Defries Avenue, Mascot, about 11am yesterday (Thursday 26 March 2020).
During the search, police located mobile phones, documents, prohibited drugs, and other items relevant to the investigation.
A 38-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man were arrested at the location and taken to Mascot Police Station.
The man was charged with 10 counts of aggravated break, enter and steal; three counts of break, enter and steal; destroy or damage property, dishonestly obtain property by deception and possess identity information.
The woman was charged with seven counts of aggravated break, enter and steal; dishonestly obtain property by deception, possess prohibited drug and possess identity information.
They were refused bail and will appear via AVL at Central Local Court today (Friday 27 March 2020).
