Victorian police are investigating theft of 18 bales of high equality wool, worth around $2000 each, from a Melbourne warehous.

Thieves substituted cheaper quality fleece, worth around a 10th of the price, for the high value wool in the original bales. The swap is believed to have happened since May 2017 after the original fleece was inspected and tested and was only discovered by buyers in China after the wool had been exported.

Detective inspector Jamie Templeton said the thefts were “extremely serious”.

“This is not only due to the total value of the wool stolen but also the potential damage it poses to the Australian export industry,” he said.

“These thefts are incredibly damaging to the livelihood and reputations of the brokers who export this product.”

Police believe there may be more victims caught up in the tampering scandal and have encouraged them to come forward and report it.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 00 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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