Police Recover Over 40,000 Stolen Bluey Coins in Australia

Authorities in Australia have successfully retrieved approximately 40,000 limited-edition coins inspired by the popular children's show Bluey. The recovery comes after the theft of 63,000 coins from a warehouse in Western Sydney, reported in July, just two months before their planned release.

On Tuesday, police recovered 40,061 coins during a raid on a property about 10 kilometers from the storage site. Earlier that day, 27-year-old Christina Vale was arrested and charged with breaking and entering, along with disposing of stolen property, marking her as the third suspect apprehended in connection with the theft.

The limited-edition coins were taken in July

Each coin, valued at A$1 (approximately $0.65), had been selling online for up to ten times its face value following the theft. The New South Wales Police launched a special operation, codenamed Strike Force Bandit—named after Bluey's father—to investigate the incident.

Previously, two individuals were arrested: 44-year-old Steven Nielsen, an employee of the warehouse, and 44-year-old Nassar Kanj, identified as his accomplice. Police are now set to argue in court that Vale served as their getaway driver.

The gold-colored coins, known as Bluey dollarbucks, showcase characters from the beloved series. Created by Brisbane-based Ludo Studio in partnership with BBC Studios and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Bluey has gained international acclaim, airing in over 60 countries, including the UK, US, and China.

Last year, the series was streamed for more than 20 billion minutes on Disney+ in the US, placing it among the top 10 streaming programs. With over 150 episodes across three seasons, a Bluey-themed interactive experience is set to open in Brisbane next month.

It’s important to note that these stolen coins differ from a collectible set of Bluey currency released by the Royal Australian Mint earlier this year, which had also sparked significant consumer interest.