BREAKING: Police have apprehended a suspect dubbed the “bog bandit” following a week-long investigation into the theft of portable toilets from residential worksites in Melbourne. The operation culminated in the arrest of a 36-year-old man from Caroline Springs on September 17, 2023, after authorities identified him as the alleged thief behind two stolen portaloos.
The investigation began on September 10 when two portaloos were reported missing from construction sites in Deanside. Investigators say the suspect loaded the stolen toilets onto his trailer and fled the scene, leading police to initiate a focused search. Within days, they executed a search warrant on his residence located on Marine Parade, recovering one of the stolen portaloos and the trailer used in the theft.
In a surprising twist, the second portable toilet was found in Bayles, located approximately 75 kilometers southeast of Melbourne’s central business district. Authorities confirm that the suspect has been charged with two counts of theft, handling stolen goods, and committing an indictable offence while on bail, along with drug-related offences.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on December 12 after being released on bail. This case highlights the unusual yet serious nature of such thefts, which have drawn public attention and concern.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to construction site thefts.
