14 November 2023, 3:16pm
Media Release
Canberra man charged for alleged theft and airport trespass
A Canberra man is scheduled to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court today (14 November, 2023) after allegedly breaking into Canberra Airport and stealing an airline vehicle last month.
The man, 31, allegedly scaled a fence on 29 October, 2023 and entered a restricted area of Canberra Airport where he was seen running across the tarmac.
It will be alleged the man broke into an airline van and began driving erratically across the runway, before exiting the area by driving through a fence.
Police located the vehicle at a house in Harrison on 31 October, 2023, where it was recovered and returned to the airline.
Police will further allege that prior to trespassing at the airport, the man broke into a nearby store where he stole cash, bank cards, electronic devices, car keys and clothing.
The man handed himself into police yesterday (13 November, 2023) and he was arrested.
He was charged with the following offences:
- Trespassing on prohibited Commonwealth land, contrary to section 89(1) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth);
- Damaging Commonwealth property, contrary to section 123.8A(1) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth);
- Burglary contrary to section 311 of the Criminal Code 2002 (ACT); and
- Riding a motor vehicle without consent, contrary to section 318(2) of the Criminal Code 2002 (ACT).
AFP acting Inspector Robert Chaney-Nikolavcic said unauthorised access to restricted airport areas would not be taken lightly by the AFP.
“Ensuring safety and security at our designated airports remains a priority for the AFP,” a/Insp. Chaney-Nikolavcic said.
“Trespassing on airport property is a serious offence which can pose significant threats to our national security and this example shows just how seriously we take airport breaches.”
If you require police presence at an airport, or wish to report an incident or provide information please call the AFP’s Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).
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