A man has been charged with stealing a vehicle and camper trailer in an incident that involved two people and two dogs onboard. The alleged theft took place earlier this month in Cumberland River, and the suspect has now been apprehended by Torquay Crime Investigation Unit detectives.
According to investigators, the vehicle and camper trailer were parked at a rest stop on Great Ocean Road when they were taken on August 20th. During the incident, a 20-year-old woman from Wallan was dragged a short distance inside the attached annexe of the camper trailer before falling onto the road, sustaining minor injuries. Meanwhile, a 20-year-old man from Wallan remained inside the attached camper trailer until the vehicle eventually broke down in Lorne. The offender then fled the scene on foot.
Thankfully, one of the dogs onboard, named Pablo, was found by some nearby campers at around 5:45pm and reunited with its owners. The investigation into the incident led to the arrest of a 19-year-old man on August 26th. He has been charged with multiple offenses, including two counts of reckless conduct endangering life, recklessly causing injury, theft of a motor vehicle, and driving while disqualified.
The suspect, an Avalon resident, appeared before the Geelong Magistrates’ Court today and has been remanded to appear at the same court on September 26th, 2023.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of taking precautions to secure vehicles and valuable possessions, especially when leaving them unattended at rest stops or other public spaces. It is crucial for individuals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities to help prevent such crimes from occurring.
Authorities are encouraged to continue their efforts to address and deter vehicle theft cases, ensuring the safety and security of the community.
