25/07/2025
CORIO MAN ARRESTED OVER $70,000 TOOL THEFT SPREE ACROSS GEELONG
Detectives from the Geelong Divisional Response Unit have arrested a 34-year-old Corio man accused of stealing over $70,000 worth of power tools from vehicles and construction sites across North Geelong.
The man was taken into custody on Wednesday after allegedly attempting to flee by scaling his backyard fence when officers arrived at his home.
Police allege the man began targeting tradies and job sites in mid-July, stealing a range of equipment including jackhammers, drills, and other valuable construction tools.
A search of the property uncovered approximately $52,000 in stolen tools, while investigators believe the remaining items have already been sold.
The accused was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for unrelated offences and is now serving a six-month prison sentence.
He has been charged with burglary, theft, handling stolen goods, and possession of a prohibited weapon.
He is expected to appear before the Geelong Magistrates' Court later this year.
Most of the recovered items have been identified and returned to their rightful owners.
However, detectives are still seeking to identify the owner of a generator and several tool bags.
Anyone who recently had similar items stolen is urged to contact Detective Senior Constable Wayne Glover at the Geelong Divisional Response Unit by calling Geelong Police Station on (03) 5225 3100.
Police are reminding tradespeople to take extra precautions, as many of the stolen tools were taken from the back of unlocked work vans and utes, or left unsecured at job sites.
To reduce the risk of theft, police recommend the following safety tips:
Engrave tools with identifiable information, such as your driver’s licence number
Remove tools from vehicles overnight and store them securely in a shed or locked facility
Lock all vehicle doors, toolboxes, and windows, and keep tools out of sight
Park in a locked garage or well-lit area whenever possible
Clear worksites of tools at the end of each day and secure them properly.