Burglar caught selling victim’s own tools on Facebook Marketplace

A Christchurch burglar’s plan to cash in on stolen tools has collapsed after the victim found their own property listed for sale online.

The tools, taken in January, appeared on Facebook Marketplace. The owner recognised them instantly after spotting a personal engraving etched into the equipment.

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Instead of confronting the seller, the victim arranged to view the tools, confirmed they were theirs, then discreetly photographed the man and alerted Police.

Officers executed a search warrant at the suspect’s address and recovered the stolen tools returning them to the victim.

Three further bags and a crate of tools were seized and will be examined to determine whether they were stolen. A firearm was also located hidden in the roof space and seized.

A 33-year-old man will appear in the Christchurch District Court tomorrow facing charges including receiving stolen property, unlawfully possessing a firearm, and drugs offences.

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Police enquiries remain ongoing to establish whether the additional seized items have been reported stolen.

Authorities are urging the public to store tools securely, keep them out of sight, and engrave equipment to assist with identification and recovery.

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