Ballot paper theft leads to arrest

Ballot paper theft leads to arrest

2377
Byford & Districts Country Club

A man and woman have been arrested in Byford following the alleged theft of ballot papers for the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale local election, from the mailboxes of residents.

About 12.45pm on Wednesday, September 29, WA Police Force was alerted to suspicious activity in the vicinity of Truman Promenade, Byford.

Police attended the scene and established two people who were suspected of stealing mail from letterboxes had been detained by other members of the public on Hinsey Lane.

A 39-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man were taken into custody.

During the response to the incident police located two bags containing 45-50 Local Government election envelopes/ballot papers. It is believed those items had been taken from letterboxes in the immediate area. The items were seized.

The WA Electoral Commission was notified of the seizure of ballot papers so that appropriate steps can be taken to re-issue the ballot papers to the intended recipients.
The investigation is ongoing.