Water Police have caught up with an alleged serial thief on the Queenscliff foreshore, with officers seizing random items including jars of honey, meat trays and a grave plaque.
The Water Police Squad now based at Queenscliff, was called to reports of a man behaving suspiciously near the Pilot’s Station foreshore about 9am on Monday.
Officers found the man sitting in his car at the Weeroona Parade carpark, launching a search of the 45-year-old’s vehicle.
Inside police say they found a quantity of methylamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, as well as a large amount of allegedly stolen items.
Among the items included a bronze grave plaque which was allegedly stolen from the Point Lonsdale Cemetery in late 2024.
Police say they also found dozens of olive oil tins, supermarket meat trays, pairs of socks and jars of honey – all understood to be stolen.
A power drill, axe, implements and copper wiring were also allegedly discovered inside the car.
The man reportedly told police his reason for having the items was he was ‘going fishing’.
“Water police spend most of their time on the water, but when alleged crimes occur on land, they have no hesitation in responding,” Inspector James Dalton of the Water Police Squad said.
“Our top priority is keeping the Queenscliff community safe, and we will continue to do so with regular patrols across our foreshores.”
The Taylors Hill man was charged with 10 offences and was bailed to appear before the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on April 7.
