Officers from the Devonport Criminal Investigation Branch have charged a 39 year old man from Devonport with stealing.

The matter relates to the alleged misappropriation of funds which were paid to Kentish Funerals for pre-paid funeral plans.

It is alleged that the man has misappropriated $29,770 in funds from seven victims.

Scott Allan Dickey was charged with Stealing by Misappropriation, Forgery and Uttering, and was placed before the Devonport Magistrates Court this afternoon, where he was bailed to appear again on 8 September 2016.

If any member of the public has concerns about pre-paid funeral plans they may have with Kentish Funerals, it is requested that they contact Detective Senior Constable Robert Woodrow at Devonport CIB on 6478 4036.

Tasmania Police will be liaising with the Office of Consumer Affairs and Fair Trading. Funds paid to a funeral provider should be placed with a funeral trust. Where a funeral business has ceased business the trust must transfer contributions back to the consumer.