Man charged over Docklands Olympic medal theft

Police have arrested and charged a man following the alleged theft of four Olympic gold medals in Docklands last week.

The medals were allegedly stolen from a vehicle parked on Cumberland St between 9pm on Thursday, September 6 and 5am on Friday, September 7.

They belong to Olympic rowing champion, and member of The Oarsome Foursome, 49-year-old Drew Ginn who left them in his car due to a speaking engagement at a school.

A 47-year-old Windsor man, who was wanted on warrant over the alleged offending, was arrested by police in Brunswick on September 11.

He was charged with theft from a motor vehicle, obtaining property by deception, obtaining financial advantage by deception and handling stolen goods.

The alleged offender will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 29.

A number of other items were stolen from the former Olympian's Ranger Rover, including a Rip Curl wetsuit, a Go Pro camera and Sony headphones.

Neither the Olympic medals nor any of the other allegedly stolen property have been recovered at this time.

As part of the investigation, Mr Ginn has appealed for public assistance to locate the three gold and one silver medal which he earned throughout a twenty-year Olympic career, which commenced with gold in Atlanta 1996.

Detective Sergeant Timothy Reiher, Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit said that the medals were of “significant sentimental value” and are “priceless” to their recipients.

“We ask that people look out for these medals in pawn shops and online selling platforms,” he said.

Detectives have released an image of the stolen Olympic medals, in the hope that someone can assist investigators in getting the medals back around the neck of their rightful owner.

Anyone with information that could assist in locating the stolen medals is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report.