$10,000 crystal haul stolen at Newcastle festival
Crystal dealer Anna Snow lost about $10,000 worth of stock when her Newcastle Medieval Festival stall was robbed over one night.
Anna Snow's stall at the Newcastle Medieval Festival was targeted between Saturday evening and Sunday morning on September 5-6. Thieves made off with 80 items including crystals, gemstones, taxidermied insects and specialty tools.
The haul included about $3,000 in opals. When Snow returned the next morning, she said it was as if the thieves had "been shopping" through her display.
NSW Police confirmed they were investigating but said there was little they could do without CCTV footage or further leads. Snow, who founded Cats Crystals Aus in 2020 and travels between Victoria and Tamworth to sell her wares, was not covered by insurance because the theft happened outside her showroom.
She said the festival organisers were supportive and she plans to return next year.
- $10,000 worth of stock
- Theft amount
- 80 items
- Items stolen
- About $3,000
- Opals in haul
- Foreshore Park Newcastle Medieval Festival
- Location
Why it mattersThe theft shows how small vendors at large events lack basic security protection and insurance coverage for their stock.
AustraliaA regional Australian small business lost significant inventory at a popular regional event, highlighting gaps in festival security and vendor insurance.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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