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New ‘Bluey’ Project Stalled After $600,000 Theft, Future Uncertain

The theft of 63,000 limited-edition Bluey coins in Australia over the summer drew worldwide attention. The robbery occurred on July 12, 2024, from a warehouse in Wetherill Park, a suburb of Sydney, Australia. On October 29, police announced a third arrest in the case.

These commemorative coins, each worth $1, were designed to celebrate the beloved Australian children’s television series Bluey. They premiered to the public in September–though thousands remained missing.

Bluey Characters
Credit: Ludo Studios

Following an extensive investigation, police arrested a 47-year-old man in early August, alleged to have been involved in the heist. This individual was said to have taken the coins and sold them to a known collector. Two weeks later, a second suspect was apprehended, a 44-year-old man who allegedly worked at the Wetherill Park warehouse.

A 27-year-old woman was arrested on October 29, marking her as the third individual connected to the theft. She allegedly drove the vehicle used in the Bluey coin heist and was charged with three counts of aggravated break-and-enter and disposing of stolen property valued at under $5000.

A gleaming gold coin depicts Bluey, the cartoon dog, joyfully playing with a ball.
One of the coins confiscated by police. Credit: NSW Police

9News Sydney shared this video of police kicking at the woman’s door and eventually escorting her away:

@9newssydney

A third person has been charged over the alleged theft of tens of thousands of unreleased limited edition #Bluey coins from a #Sydney warehouse. The 27-year-old woman was arrested this morning after strike force detectives and officers executed a search warrant at a Green Valley property. #9News #WesternSydney #Police

♬ original sound – 9News Sydney – 9News Sydney

Bluey Investigation Updates

Bluey Characters
Credit: Ludo Studios

As the legal proceedings unfold, the investigation remains ongoing. Strike Force Bandit, the specialized police unit handling the case, has been actively gathering evidence and pursuing leads related to the crime. The unit aims to not only resolve this particular case but also discourage similar thefts in the future by ensuring harsher consequences for those involved.

The 27-year-old woman charged is expected to appear before Liverpool Local Court shortly. She denied bail upon arrest.

Disney Bluey
Credit: Ludo Studio

Police have successfully seized 189 of the stolen coins, including some from a legitimate coin collector who assisted police in identifying the alleged perpetrators.

What’s your favorite episode of Bluey? Let Disney Dining know in the comments. 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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