Witness account leads to arrest

By Kath Gannaway
POLICE have praised the actions of witnesses to a shop theft in Healesville, which led to a quick arrest.
Healesville police were called after a man stole jewellery and a display box from the Antique Boutique Healesville shop on 20 June.
Sergeant Tony Van Gorp of Healesville police said a man walked into the shop at around 10am and asked to see some rings.
The female manager presented a black display box with a glass lid, which contained a number of rings.
Sgt Van Gorp said the man snatched the box from the woman, ran out of the shop and drove away in a blue Nissan sedan.
Witnesses were able to provide details of the car and that there was a female passenger.
“The details were broadcast over the police network and at around 1pm a Yarra Ranges traffic unit sighted the vehicle in Wesburn,” Sgt Van Gorp said.
“A couple in the car were questioned and it was established they were not connected with the theft. A short time later a male and female were arrested at a nearby house and some of the stolen property was recovered,” he said.
A 28-year-old Wesburn man was charged with theft and bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court at a date to be set.
A 22-year-old Wesburn woman was also charged in relation to the theft.
“The help of witnesses has resulted in these offenders being arrested quickly. That is always a pleasing result,” Sgt Van Gorp said.