A Tamworth truck driver has been charged with stealing smartphones from freight within his own truck.
NSW Police allege the 52 year-old man took items including smartphones, tablets and SIM cards on several occasions.
Police searched a Tamworth property last Monday and allegedly discovered a number of devices, with 110 smartphones still missing. The entire haul is estimated to be worth around $90,000.
Police said in a statement they believe the missing devices have been sold in Tamworth and surrounding suburbs. They encouraged anyone who believes they may be in possession of one of the devices to contact police.
“We’re trying to trace the chain of custody of stolen items from the accused person. Each device has a unique identification which can be tracked,” said Inspector Phil O’Reilly, crime manager at Oxley Local Area Command, in a statement.
“Persons in possession of stolen telecommunications equipment may face prosecution for possession of those items. The likelihood of a device being stolen if offered for sale by an unauthorised retailer is high.”
The man was charged with 13 stealing offences and will face Tamworth Local Court in early February.
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