Serial mail thief ‘took 500 items’

AN alleged serial mail thief has been charged after taking more than 500 pieces of mail, including a device meant for a cancer sufferer.

Police raided a 36-year-old Southport man’s home on Scarborough St on Tuesday, after an alleged stolen credit card had racked up bills worth more than $10,000 through fraudulent transactions.

At the address, police allegedly found about 500 pieces of mail. The letters appear to have been taken from multiple suburbs including Surfers Paradise, Pacific Pines, Benowa, Robina, Helensvale and Oxenford.

It is alleged that one parcel stolen contained a device ordered from the US for a cancer sufferer. Police returned the parcel to its rightful owner.

Other mail allegedly found included letters regarding driver’s licences, induction cards, bills and concert tickets, as well as birthday, Christmas cards and gifts.

In footage of the man’s arrest, police can be seen entering an untidy apartment before allegedly finding drug utensils.

Police also allegedly uncovered cardboard boxes filled with mail, plus multiple driver’s licences, parcels and bills.

A search of the man’s car allegedly found other drug utensils and more mail.

The man has been charged with two counts of receiving tainted property and one count each of stealing, possessing dangerous drugs, possessing drug utensils and fraud. He will appear at Southport Magistrates Court on February 19.