AN ENGRAVED watch from 1939, a camera with photos of a family’s newborn baby and a vintage 1950s motorcycle are just a handful of more than 100 allegedly stolen items police seized in December across three related locations.
Perth Detectives executed multiple search warrants at an apartment complex in East Perth following information from the public, which led them to a “treasure trove” of goods.
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READ NOWDetective Senior Constable Cameron McLetchie said information from one of the suspects in East Perth led detectives to a unit in Osborne Park, where officers were assisted by a drug dog from the Police Canine Section.
Among five allegedly stolen motorbikes, a homemade taser, 47 watches, seven deconstructed bicycles, three iPads, two laptops, and a suitcase full of CCTV cameras with wiring and hard drives were some precious personal keepsakes.
“We have a watch that was given to someone in 1939, it’s quite a unique item,” Detective McLetchie said.
“One camera has already been identified with photos of a newborn baby – it was identified on Christmas Day and returned on Boxing Day.”
One distinctive motorbike was a 1950s bright yellow Yamaha model.
Along with the allegedly stolen goods, officers found over $3000 in cash, methamphetamine, cannabis and hundreds of prescription medications.
A mobile phone at the Osborne Park unit then led police to a storage unit near Perth Airport, where they located two bikes and a 3D printer.
Five people have been charged with 31 offences, and Detective McLetchie said there were still a potential dozen more charges to be laid.
“We want to get these items back to their owners,” he said.
Community Engagement Coordinator Sergeant Warren Ameduri urged people across Perth to examine the photographs for any of their own stolen property.