Mail room thief arrested in Southbank

Southbank Police officers have charged a woman after executing a search warrant at a unit in Southbank at about 10.50am on Friday, February 13.

Officers attended the Clarendon St residence after receiving numerous reports that parcels were allegedly being stolen from the mail room of an apartment block between January 2 and February 3, 2026.

During a search of the premises officers located and seized an Aladdin’s cave of luxury items consisting of Oscar Piastri official Formula 1 clothing, expensive French champagne, expensive beauty products, clothing and other items believed to have been purchased online.

A 29-year-old Southbank woman was charged with eight counts of theft. It is expected that more victims will come forward and the woman may receive further charges. She was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 24.

This is a timely reminder about safety and security in mail rooms – especially at apartment buildings. Thieves do target mail rooms. Here are some crime prevention tips:

Secure your letterbox

• Choose a design that does not allow access from the front or back
• Install a good quality lock on the access point
• Overlay letterboxes with additional security.
• Install letterboxes in a secure area.
• Ensure CCTV cameras cover letterboxes
• Collect any parcels that have been delivered to a mail room as soon as possible

Divert your deliveries

• Avoid having bank or utility documents sent by post. Instead have them sent by email.
• Send parcels to a parcel locker, PO Box or other collection point. Information on Australia Post options is available here: auspost.com.au/delivery-options

I would also like to inform the Southbank residents and businesses that Senior Sergeant Jay McDonald, the other Station Commander at Southbank, retired in January.

Jay had been stationed at Southbank since July 2021 and was the Municipal Emergency Response Coordinator for the Melbourne Local Government Area. Jay was dedicated to this role and was also passionate about serving the Southbank community.

Jay will be missed by all the staff at Southbank Police Station, and I thank him for his service to the Victorian community for the past 27 years. •