It’s believed the jewellery was stolen by two tradespeople who were contracted to paint multiple houses between January 2025 and June this year.
Cobram CIB, Acting Detective Sergeant Bree George said there could be more victims who were unaware their jewellery was missing.
She said police wanted to reunite a substantial amount of unrecovered jewellery items with the rightful owners.
“The subcontractors were working for a local painter who was not aware of their activities, and not under investigation,” Act Det Sgt George said.
Following enquiries, officers from the Cobram Crime Investigation Unit executed search warrants at a home on Zorro Drive and a business on Belmore Street in Yarrawonga on Thursday, June 4.
Two men and a woman were arrested, and several pieces of jewellery were seized.
A 35-year-old man was charged with three counts of burglary and three counts of thefts.
He was bailed to appear in Cobram Magistrates’ Court on December 15.
The 27-year-old woman was interviewed and released pending summons.
Police will allege in court that the trio stole from four homes, however, it is believed they were contracted to work on several dozen more.
It is alleged the jewellery was then on sold to a local jeweller who is expected to be charged with operating without a second-hand dealer’s license.
A 68-year-old man is expected to be charged on summons.
It is unknown if any other towns have been impacted but any residents who have had their house painted in the past 18 months should check if any jewellery is missing.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim of a similar crime, or has any further information that may assist investigators, is urged to contact wither Cobram Investigators on 5871 2866, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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