Powell targeted Nowra Jewellers, Prouds the Jewellers Nowra and Gold City Jewellers within in the space of two weeks, stealing $18,000 worth of product.
Each time, he engaged staff for up to 30 minutes under the guise of purchasing a gift for his partner. He would ask to try on or hold one or more items, and when the salesperson was distracted, would run outside to a waiting car.
Powell was arrested on 26 March and pleaded guilty to multiple charges of larceny. While none of the stolen property – a 9-carat gold bracelet valued at $1,399 and three chains worth $2,799, $4,500 and $10,500 – have been recovered, Powell has been ordered by the court to repay the value of the jewellery he took.
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We can’t afford to get complacent about security