Fraud charges over crime spree
Major fraud detectives have charged two people after they allegedly stole nearly 1000 pieces of mail and then proceeded to rack up thousands of dollars of debt with assumed and stolen identities.
The couple, a 33-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested last week following a month long investigation by detectives.
It will be alleged from August 2013 to February 2014 the couple stole mail from residences in the South East and South metropolitan areas, the Peel district and in and around Bunbury.
Police have identified 870 people who had their mail stolen over the six month period.
Operation Rescue uncovered the couple's alleged crime spree which was run out of hotel rooms across Perth and the South West.
Det-Sgt Andie Fagan said police will allege the couple stole mail including licences, Medicare cards, debit and credit cards as well as utilities bills and packages and then used that information to purchase untraceable debit cards valued at $5000, primarily through Flight Centre agents.
He said one victim had $30,000 of debt racked up after the couple allegedly stole her licence and other details.
Det-Sgt Fagan said it was still too early to put a dollar figure on the couple's alleged spree but it could run into the hundreds of thousands.
He said the case should serve as a reminder to the general public to ensure their mail is secure, monitor all financial statements and confirm identification and cards have been sent or received.
The couple have both been charged with 18 counts of stealing, 12 counts of fraud, two counts of steal motor vehicle, two counts of unlawful damage, eight counts of theft of mail and 10 counts of possession of identification material with intent to commit offence.
Investigations are continuing into the case.
The couple will next appear in Perth Magistrate's Court on Feb 24.
