A 39-year-old man from Bonner has been charged with possessing items stolen from gravesites at Gungahlin Cemetery in July.
In late July, police appealed for witnesses after reports of thefts, including items and plaques, from graves at the cemetery. Following investigations by Gungahlin General Duties and ACT Criminal Investigations officers, a search warrant was executed at a Bonner residence on Thursday 31 October.
During the search, police recovered several items believed stolen from gravesites at Gungahlin Cemetery, along with a pump-action rifle hidden within a vehicle seat, ammunition, swords, number plates, methadone, and mobile phones. The firearm is believed to have been stolen during a burglary at a Chisholm residence in May.
The 39-year-old man, who was already subject to unrelated warrants for failing to appear before the Sentence Administration Board, was remanded in custody last week. He is set to face additional charges related to the possession of the stolen gravesite items and the stolen firearm at his next court appearance on 21 November.
Police have now recovered all but one item stolen from Gungahlin Cemetery—a distinctive pink quartz stone, approximately 30-35 cm tall with a 40 cm circumference. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website, quoting reference 7812019. Information can be given anonymously.
