In brief
Over 40,000 limited-edition Bluey coins have been recovered by New South Wales Police, following their theft in July. The investigation, codenamed Strike Force Bandit, continues with three arrests.
New South Wales Police have successfully recovered approximately 40,061 limited-edition coins inspired by the popular children's show Bluey, following their theft earlier this year. The coins, which were produced by the Australian Mint, were reported stolen from a warehouse in Western Sydney back in July, just two months prior to their intended release. The recovery occurred after a police raid on a property located roughly 10 kilometers from the original storage site. On the same day, 27-year-old Christina Vale was detained and subsequently charged with breaking and entering, as well as disposing of stolen property, marking her as the third individual arrested in relation to the case.Valued at A$1 (approximately $0.65), the Bluey dollarbucks coins had reportedly been reselling online for up to ten times their face value shortly after they were stolen. Following the theft, the New South Wales Police set up a specialized investigation known as Strike Force Bandit, named after the father character from the show.In August, authorities apprehended two men: 44-year-old Steven Nielsen, an employee of the warehouse, and his alleged accomplice, Nassar Kanj, also 44. Police now allege that Ms. Vale acted as their getaway driver during the heist.These gold-colored coins, adorned with characters from the beloved Bluey series, are distinct from another collectible Bluey currency set that sparked significant public interest when it launched in June 2023. Bluey, produced by Ludo Studio in Brisbane in collaboration with BBC Studios and the ABC, has gained international acclaim, being broadcast in over 60 countries and streaming an impressive 20 billion minutes in the US alone last year. Plans for a Bluey-themed interactive experience are set to commence in Brisbane next month, continuing the show's expansion.
