Four French nationals have faced court following the theft of jewellery, luxury handbags and other items worth millions of dollars from a Canberra home.
Police were called to a burglary of a Canberra home on 15 October, with a review of the home’s CCTV footage revealing two men breaking in and stealing more than 70 items including luxury handbags, watches, and jewellery. The estimated value of the stolen items is approximately $10 million.
“ACT Policing investigators commenced enquiries and quickly confirmed a Mitsubishi Outlander had been seen in the vicinity of the burglary. It had allegedly travelled in and out of the ACT multiple times before the men allegedly broke into the home and committed the thefts,” Police said in a statement.
“Further enquiries indicated the rented vehicle was hired by a French national following his arrival in Australia on 7 October with three other French nationals.”
Investigators then worked closely with NSW Police and AFP Eastern Command to assist in locating the alleged offenders. With assistance from NSW Police Force Robbery and Serious Crime Squad, the four men were located and arrested in a fast-food restaurant in Wentworthville (NSW) on 19 October.
The following day, ACT Policing and AFP Eastern Command officers executed a search warrant at a short-term rental residence in Wentworthville and recovered some of the stolen property from the Canberra home, including multiple Hermes handbags.
“Investigations are continuing in relation to an aggravated break and enter committed in Vaucluse (NSW) on 12 October 2025 whereby some stolen items believed to be linked to that break and enter, were intercepted by French authorities,” Police said.
On 21 October the four men were extradited to the ACT and were each charged with aggravated burglary – intent to commit theft and joint commission theft.
“Liaison with NSW Police and French authorities has occurred in an effort to locate items stolen but not yet recovered. Engagement with AFP and French police has resulted in some stolen items sent from Australia being recovered in France,” ACT Policing said.
Police are appealing for public assistance to locate outstanding items, including:
- A Richard Mille rm88 (Smiley) watch
- Hermes Chaos and Gavroche rings
- A Van Cleef Seoul necklace
- A Patek Philippe 5711 Tiffany watch
- A Patek Philippe 5711 40th anniversary watch
Police say the items are distinctive, valuable and cannot be easily on-sold.
“These incidents are believed to have been a targeted operation by the alleged offenders – who travelled to Australia specifically to commit these offences.”
Anyone who can assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote 8189788. Information can be provided anonymously.
