WYNDHAM detectives have busted an illegal online DVD operation
after raids in Hoppers Crossing and Tarneit netted hundreds of box sets
valued at more than $20,000.
A Hoppers Crossing man and woman have been charged with theft and handling stolen goods, while a Tarneit man will be charged on summons.
Detective Senior Constable Steven Oakley said investigators seized
more than 600 stolen DVD box sets during the raids on August 6.
The large haul mainly included box sets of new-release TV shows such as Packed to the Rafters, Senior Constable Oakley said.
“They were all brand-new, being kept in their houses and then being sold on Facebook.”
Police allege the trio were selling the DVDs on local “buy, swap and sell” pages on Facebook.
They will face Werribee Magistrates Court on October 14.
There are several Wyndham-based “buy, swap and sell” pages on
Facebook, some of which have as many as 4000 subscribers. Dozens of
items such as software, videos, electronic appliances, furniture and
clothes are listed for sale on the sites each day.
Those involved in the illegal operation are believed to have been stealing and selling the DVDs online for many months.
Senior Constable Oakley said the DVDs had been listed on the Facebook pages for well below retail price.
He said Wyndham residents who sourced items on social media sites
should be wary of items listed for sale that appeared overly cheap.
“It’s a concern that people are buying them on Facebook, and when
they’re being sold for such a low price like this, you probably know
they’re stolen.
“If it’s suspicious, report it to Crime Stoppers.”
