Port Kembla business owner James Noferi is "relieved but gutted".
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On the one hand Mr Noferi played a leading role in having a 19-year-old man who allegedly stole $30,000 worth of tools, equipment and a Toyota truck from Hedden Concrete Constructions early Monday morning, charged.
After seeing some of his tools for sale on Facebook marketplace, Mr Noferi was quick to notify police, who were just as swift in tracking down the young man who was allegedly trying to sell them on social media.
While some of the tools had been sold and the truck was found burnt out at Berkeley's Hooka Creek Park, police were able to locate about $15,000 worth of Mr Noferi's property, and arrest then charge the alleged offender.
"This is terrible for us, they took the best of the best as far as our equipment went," Mr Noferi said.
"It's really devastating for the business to lose that sort of gear.
"As a business where do you get $15,000 out of thin air to pay for something you weren't even expecting.
"It is a hard hit for us, but it's better than nothing at all."
Mr Noferi though had nothing but praise for police.
"As far as we are concerned the police did an outstanding job. We all worked together in the end result," he said.
"I got them the information and the lead and they acted on it as quick as they could so it's great.
"We did lose a bit of gear but some is better than nothing."
Lake Illawarra Police Inspector James Dark said officers attached to the Anti-Theft and Tech Crime Unit used social media to track down the stolen tools and the alleged culprit.
Just after 8am Wednesday morning police attended a residential address on Northcliffe Drive, Berkeley, where they sighted the stolen goods partly covered by a tarp.
"We were able to locate some of that property and seize it and return back to the lawful owner," Insp Dark said.
About $15,000 worth of gear was recovered.
"It's a reminder to business owners to keep detailed logs of their property and tools," he said.
"It comes down to marking your property and keeping a record of the things that you do have."
The alleged offender has been charged with aggravated break and enter, be carried in conveyance without consent of owner and receive/dispose stolen property.
He was granted conditional bail and is due to face Port Kembla Local Court on October 30.
Police inquiries are continuing.