A FRANKSTON man who was captured on CCTV wearing a T-shirt saying “Everything happens for a reason but the reason is you are stupid and make bad decisions” was arrested last week and charged with robbery.
A 55-year-old was charged at his home with nine robberies at jewellery stores in Frankston, Langwarrin, Mt Eliza, Keysborough, Cranbourne, Springvale and Rowville, as well as a robbery at a liquor store in Langwarrin.
The thefts all occurred during trading hours. Police will allege the man, sometimes with an accomplice, would ask to see particular jewellery items and then, while handling them, bolt from the store. The robberies were never violent but a “large amount” of jewellery was stolen.
The man was remanded in custody to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court, Monday 12 February.
His alleged accomplice, 45, of Frankston, whom police allege was involved in robberies at stores at Langwarrin, Frankston, Karingal and Mulgrave, was bailed to appear at the same court in April on four theft and two attempted-theft charges.
Detectives said up to 12 jewellery items were stolen in the robberies which occurred 28 November-19 January. Only one piece has so far been recovered – at a second-hand dealer’s.
Detective Senior Constable David Burgoyne said the robberies “caused a lot of anxiety among jewellers” who were never sure who would be the next victim.