Men in court over alleged car thefts

TWO men accused of operating a car-theft ring have appeared in court on a host of stealing charges.

Aaron Roy Johnston, 27, of Collinsvale, and Jarrod Anthony McKenna, 19, of Elderslie, are jointly charged with stealing nearly $140,000 worth of four-wheel-drives, tools and other equipment from across the state.

This included the alleged theft of a $25,000 2005 Nissan Patrol from Devonport on May 12, a $17,000 2001 Patrol from Judbury on June 15 and a $16,000 1992 Hilux from Howrah on May 17.

Mr Johnston and Mr McKenna appeared briefly in the Hobart Magistrates Court yesterday. They were charged after CIB detectives launched a seven-month investigation.

The men are separately facing a swag of stealing-related charges involving vehicles.

Mr McKenna’s 16 stealing charges include the alleged theft of a Toyota Hilux and equipment worth an estimated $35,400 from Statewide Earthworks in Bridgewater, two quad bikes and equipment worth $14,000 from a shed in Devonport and two Hiluxes worth a combined $28,000 from Jackson Motor Company at Derwent Park.

On April 29 he allegedly stole a 2003 Hilux and tools worth about $19,770 and an early model Hilux worth about $9000, both from Margate.

A month later he is accused of stealing two Hiluxes worth a combined $18,000 in West Hobart on consecutive days.

Mr Johnston has been charged with stealing a $12,750 2005 Nissan Navara from City Cars in Launceston and a $7600 1996 Nissan Patrol from Perth in the North.

Both men are due back in court at a later date. They are yet to enter pleas.