Charges over hardware swindle

A 38-year-old Mooroolbark man will answer burglary and theft charges over an incident in Lilydale in May.

Yarra Ranges CIU detectives appealed for public help on 31 May, alleging that a man attended a hardware store on Main Street on 20 May, placed power tools and other items in a basket and hid the stash in an outdoor area.

Police alleged he returned about 3am on 21 May, forced the rear gate, entered the property and collected the secreted items.

Officers allege they discovered GHB and amphetamine in the arrested man’s home, adding charges of drug possession to the burglary and theft charges.

He was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 29 October.