In a striking case of theft that has captivated Australia, Steven John Neilson, a 47-year-old from Sydney, has been charged with pilfering an astonishing haul of limited-edition Bluey coins. According to New South Wales Police, Neilson is alleged to have stolen over A$600,000 worth of these collectible coins, which were scheduled to enter circulation next month. The coins, themed around the popular children's television show "Bluey," have garnered significant interest, with some fetching ten times their face value on the black market.
The theft occurred from a warehouse in Western Sydney, where Neilson was reportedly employed. The coins, intended to be transported to a storage facility in Brisbane, were stolen from the back of a truck. It wasn't until several days later that the disappearance of the pallet, totaling around 500 kg (1102 lbs), was discovered. Despite the recovery of approximately 1,000 coins, authorities suspect that the remainder of the stolen coins has already entered general circulation.
The New South Wales Police investigation, codenamed Strike Force Bandit, has been named in reference to Bandit Heeler, the father character from the "Bluey" series. The Royal Australian Mint has opted not to comment on the case, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. The coins were emblazoned with "Dollarbucks," a nod to the show’s playful depiction of money.
The case has attracted widespread media attention, underscoring the immense popularity of the Bluey franchise. The show, created by Brisbane-based animation firm Ludo in collaboration with BBC Studios and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, has achieved international acclaim. It is broadcast in over 60 countries and was streamed for more than 20 billion minutes on Disney+ in the U.S. alone last year, placing it among the top ten streaming programs.
Interestingly, the stolen coins differ from a collectible Bluey currency set released by the Royal Australian Mint in June, which also caused a significant public frenzy. The theft of these unreleased coins adds a unique twist to the story, reflecting the high demand and value of Bluey-themed memorabilia.
Neilson has been charged with three counts of breaking and entering. At his court appearance in Parramatta, he was denied bail. This development highlights a broader issue of security and value surrounding collectible items, which have increasingly become targets for theft. The case remains under close scrutiny as investigators continue to piece together the full extent of the theft and its impact on the Bluey collector community.
