A green Mercedes, which was allegedly stolen by a man dressed as Santa Claus, was found in a Kogarah garage.
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Police allege the theft was an attempt to defraud an insurance company and that “Bad Santa” was acting on behalf of the owners of the vehicle.
“Three people have been charged over their alleged roles in the conspiracy to defraud an insurance company after a Mercedes was stolen near Redfern,” a police spokesman said.
”About 6pm on Saturday, December 8, a 32-year-old woman parked a Mercedes C63 sedan at an underground car park on Defries Avenue, Zetland.
“The woman reported the car as stolen after she returned to the car park the next day, and the vehicle was gone.
“Officers from Redfern Police Area Command commenced an investigation under Strike Force Dhoti.
“Following a media appeal, strike force investigators executed a search warrant at a garage in Kogarah, where they seized a green Mercedes sedan about 4pm on Tuesday, January 29.
”The vehicle will undergo forensic examination.
“A 54-year-old man was arrested at Redfern Police Station on Tuesday, where he was charged with face disguised with intent to commit indictable offence, enter building with intent to commit indictable offence, and dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception.
“The arrest follows the arrests of a 32-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man at Redfern Police Station on January 24.
”Both were charged with dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception.
“Police will allege in court that the two arranged for the 54-year-old man to dress in a Santa costume and steal the Mercedes sedan from the car park before they attempted to claim the theft against their insurance.”
The 54-year-old man was refused bail and the 32-year-old woman and 35-year-old man were granted strict conditional bail pending court appearances.
Investigations under Strike Force Dhoti continue.
