Police are investigating the theft of an opal collection, valued at more than half a million dollars, after a home invasion in Albion Park Rail, NSW in February.
Four men forced their way into a residential home at 1am and demanded the opals from the owner’s personal collection. The occupants complied and the four thieves fled the scene in a dark sedan, taking the opals with them. Neither of the two occupants were physically hurt during the home invasion.
Officers from Lake Illawarra Police District established a crime scene to collect any forensic evidence. Lake Illawarra Police District Commander Detective Superintendent Dean Smith said it was too soon to confirm whether it was a targeted attack.
“We do know that one of the occupants is in the opal and gem industry and that was a place at this point in time he had stored those stones,” said Superintendent Smith.