Australian police have charged a 47-year-old man in connection with the theft of more than A$600,000 ($393,500; £309,000) worth of limited-edition coins based on the popular children’s television show, Bluey. The coins were stolen from a warehouse in Western Sydney where the accused, Steven John Neilson, allegedly worked.
What Coins Were Stolen and How?
The stolen items include 64,000 unreleased $1 Bluey coins, which had been scheduled to enter general circulation next month. According to police reports, these coins have been selling for ten times their face value in online markets. The theft occurred as the coins were being prepared for transport to a storage facility in Brisbane.
Police allege that the coins were stolen from the back of a truck at the warehouse, and it took several days for the theft to be discovered. The stolen pallet of coins weighed approximately 500 kg (1102 lbs).
Who is the Accused and What Are the Charges?
Steven John Neilson was arrested on Wednesday following a raid on a Sydney home. He has been charged with three counts of breaking and entering. When he appeared in Parramatta Court the same day, he was denied bail.
What Has Been the Response from the Authorities?
The New South Wales Police, who have codenamed the investigation “Strike Force Bandit” in reference to Bandit, Bluey’s father in the show, have recovered around 1,000 of the stolen coins. However, they believe the majority of the coins are already in general circulation. The Royal Australian Mint declined to comment on the incident, citing the ongoing investigation.
Why Are Bluey Coins So Valuable?
Bluey, an animated series about the Heeler family of dogs, has become a massive international hit since its debut. Produced by Brisbane-based animation firm Ludo, in collaboration with BBC Studios and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the show is broadcast in more than 60 countries, including the UK, the US, and China. Last year, it was streamed for over 20 billion minutes on Disney+ in the US, ranking it among the top 10 streaming programs in the country.
The stolen coins differ from a collectible set of Bluey currency that caused a buying frenzy when released by the Royal Australian Mint in June of this year. These new coins, marked “Dollarbucks,” are a nod to how money is often referred to in the Bluey cartoon.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
With the investigation ongoing, authorities are continuing efforts to recover the stolen coins. The case has drawn significant public interest, both due to the high value of the stolen items and the widespread popularity of Bluey. As the investigation unfolds, collectors and fans alike are keeping a close eye on developments, especially those involving the rare Bluey coins that have now entered circulation under unusual circumstances.
