A Queensland man, Nicholas Joseph Davis, 37, was dramatically arrested outside a Bunnings in Springfield Central on Monday after allegedly stealing vehicles from unsuspecting sellers on Facebook Marketplace.
Police Sting Leads to Arrest
Authorities were waiting for Davis in the store’s carpark, blocking a 2019 Toyota Hiace van he allegedly stole the day before. Realizing he was caught, Davis tried to escape, running across the road in front of cars, but police quickly apprehended him.
Van Theft Scheme
On Sunday, Davis allegedly stole the white van from Ravnit Walia, who had listed it for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
Davis posed as a buyer, asking to test drive the van.
Walia agreed to sell it for $28,000.
CCTV footage captured Davis inspecting the van at a petrol station before suddenly driving off, with Walia desperately trying to stop him.
Previous Scooter Theft
Two weeks earlier, Davis allegedly stole a scooter in a similar scam.
Kaz Miyazaki listed a 2012 Piaggio Zip 50 for $3,000.
Davis took it for a “test ride” but never returned.
He later pretended to have an accident, sending messages about being in pain to avoid paying.
Luckily, Miyazaki had photographed Davis’ license, helping police track him down.
Evidence & Charges
Inside the stolen van, police found:
Stolen number plates
War medals
Power tools
A machete
Davis now faces multiple charges, including:
5 counts of entering premises to commit a crime
2 counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle
2 counts of stealing
He is set to appear in Ipswich Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
