Meat raffle robber: Alleged serial thief arrested for stealing 50 meat trays

Water Police at Queenscliff in Victoria responded to reports of a man acting suspiciously near the Pilot's Station foreshore at 9am on February 3.

Officers searched the car of a 45-year-old Taylors Hill man and found it loaded with allegedly stolen items.

Police seized more than 50 supermarket meat trays, 50 four-litre tins of commercial grade 'Moro' branded olive oil and a bronze grave plaque which was allegedly stolen from the Point Lonsdale Cemetery in 2024.

More than 50 jars of honey, a power drill, an axe, a torch, a hammer, pliers, side cutters and tape were also seized.

Methylamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and fishing supplies, including Sabiki rigs, hooks, sinkers and rod bells, were found in the car as well, police said.

The 45-year-old told police that he was "going fishing". The fishing supplies were traced back to a robbery at Wallington service station on January 1, police said.

"Water police spend most of their time on the water, but when alleged crimes occur on land, they have no hesitation in responding," Water Police Squad Inspector James Dalton said.

"Our top priority is keeping the Queenscliff community safe, and we will continue to do so with regular patrols across our foreshore."

The alleged thief was charged with 10 offences, including theft, possessing a drug of dependence, obtaining property from the proceeds of crime and possessing house-breaking implements or going equipped to steal.

He was bailed to appear before the Sunshine Magistrates' Court on April 7.

Family have been notified that the bronze grave plaque has been recovered.

Anyone with information about suspicious activity in the area is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.