Aus Post worker jailed after stealing from packages

An Australia Post contractor has been jailed after stealing $400,000 worth of luxury goods from packages. 

According to the Australian Federal Police, items such as jewellery, luxury watches, alcohol and gift cards were among the “significant number” of goods stolen from packages between November 2021 and May 2023.

The 43-year-old man from Bexley in Sydney was sentenced to imprisonment for two years and three months when he faced the Downing Centre District Court on Tuesday.

He is able to be released after serving 15 months on the condition he is then of good behaviour for two years.

An investigation began into the thief in May 2023 after a report of “a man tampering with postal packages” was filed. 

A search warrant executed at the man’s Bexley home uncovered $398,000 worth of stolen items and $39,000 in cash which was the “proceeds of crime from the sale of tobacco the man had taken from mail packages,” AFP said.

Police found an estimated $138,000 worth of alcohol, $124,000 of luxury watches, $52,000 of gift cards, and $43,000 of jewellery in the man's home. 

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Police also seized 24g of methamphetamine, 17.8g of ketamine and small quantities of cocaine, MDMA and cannabis during their search of the property.

The man pleaded guilty to three charges related to the postal theft, drug possession, and proceeds of crime.

AFP acting Superintendent Stuart Millen said the man abused his trusted position with Australia Post for his own personal gain. 

“Criminals are motivated by profit and greed, and the AFP has zero tolerance for those who abuse employment access for their own illegal pursuits,” he said.

“This was an opportunistic attempt to use a trusted position within Australia’s mail delivery system to profit, with no regard to its impact on the community."

“People with trusted access are critical to the successful operation of Australia’s trade sectors, but the AFP will not hesitate to investigate and prosecute those who abuse this trust."

“The AFP works closely with Australia Post to ensure trusted insiders abusing their position for criminal endeavours are dealt with swiftly to ensure public confidence in the Australian postal system.”

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Image credits: AFP