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SYDNEY: Hundreds of boxes of perfumes, cosmetics and other goods suspected of being stolen in a huge shoplifting racket have been found in several Sydney locations, all resembling Aladdin's Cave, police say.
Police initially estimated the value of the haul to be A$1 million ($1.29 million), but it's now believed to be worth many times that figure, potentially making it the biggest shoplifting operation of its type in Australia.
Detectives had noticed two men acting suspiciously in the city's inner-west last Saturday. The men were allegedly carrying cosmetics in carry bags, and police said inquiries led them to a nearby warehouse.
It is alleged the warehouse was stacked floor to ceiling with goods taken from supermarket shelves across Sydney, including perfume, make-up, shampoos, after-shaves, razor blades and other toiletries.
"After that we searched another premises in Rose Bay, a residential unit, and we believe a lot of items in that unit are also stolen," Superintendent Luke Freudenstein said.
A 71-year-old man has been charged with goods in custody and has been bailed to appear in the Downing Centre Local Court on 17 February.
A 45-year-old man also charged with goods, has been refused bail and will reappear on February 4.
- AAP
