Piglets like these were among those stolen from the Yarralumla Play Station last week. Photo: Facebook.
Four piglets allegedly stolen from the Yarralumla Play Station have made it all the way home after police and the RSPCA swooped on a Deakin residence yesterday (2 September 2020).
A 39-year-old man will face court today charged with possessing stolen goods after fencing was cut around the Weston Park property and the animals were taken from their pens on 27 August.
Thieves avoided 18 high-definition security cameras to steal the piglets, as well as two frizzle chickens, a Polish rooster, and three fully grown light brown and white turkeys.
The other animals have not yet been found but the greatest concern was held for the piglets which weren’t old enough to be removed from their mother.
RSPCA officers assessed the piglets and removed them from the Deakin residence. An adolescent pig located in the back yard of the house was also removed.
The four piglets were then returned to the Yarralumla Play Station.
Two of the returned piglets from Yarralumla Play Station. Photo: ACT Policing.
The man will face court today charged with possessing stolen goods and well as possessing a prohibited substance after police also discovered and seized nine cannabis plants, seedlings and hydroponic equipment while searching the property.
A number of firearms were also allegedly located and police expect additional weapons charges to be laid.
Anyone with information about the remaining animals is asked to contact police.
“I … hatched the chickens from eggs on my kitchen bench and raised them before bringing them into the farm, so all our animals are more than just farm animals to us and we would dearly love to have them all back,” a Play Station spokesperson said.
“The theft is in the hands of police but if you notice a neighbour or someone who has ‘acquired’ a group of animals like these, please reach out or contact police on 131444.”
Detective Inspector Adrian Craft of ACT Policing has also asked people to come forward with any information that will help in locating the animals.
“This is a very sad incident. We are concerned for the welfare of these animals and we, of course, would like the animals returned for all the children who visit the Play Station,” he said.
Anyone who may have information that could assist police, or who is aware of the whereabouts of the animals, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 6618860. Information can be provided anonymously.
