Aggravated Burglary and Stealing of items including police uniforms

Detectives from Bellerive CIB are conducting investigations in relation to the Aggravated Burglary of a residence in Geilston Bay.  The burglary occurred between 7am on Saturday 7 March and 5pm on Monday 9 March 2015.

The victim of the Burglary is a serving Tasmania Police Officer who was away during the long weekend and various items of Tasmania Police Uniform including trousers, shirts,  belts, name tags and lapel badges were stolen.  Other items stolen included various watches and jewellery, a Nikon camera, bunnykins money box and a jewellery box.

Some of the stolen police uniform items were recovered at Austins Ferry on 10 March 2015, however most of the items remain outstanding.  A 29 year old Rokeby man has been charged with the burglary and bailed to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on 27 April 2015.  Police expect to charge further offenders.

Police would like to emphasise that it is an offence to impersonate a police officer, or possess or wear any police uniform.  Under the Police Service Act 2003 Section 78 the penalty for such offences is; Fine not exceeding 20 penalty units or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years, or both.

Should members of the public be concerned about the identity of any police officer in uniform, they are to request to see the police officer’s warrant card which contains photographic identification.

Police are requesting any information from members of the public who may have knowledge of this matter to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Bellerive CIB on 03 6173 2318.