Detectives from the Vehicle Crime Squad have arrested and charged five people as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged vehicle theft and rebirthing.
Investigators executed four search warrants on 10 and 11 June at residences in Mooroolbark, Alfredton, Wallan, and a storage unit in Wendouree.
Item seized during the warrants include:
• A number of allegedly stolen CCTV cameras
• An allegedly stolen and rebirthed Holden Astra bearing false numberplates
• A quantity of Methylamphetamines
• A sum of cash
• Weapons, including conducted energy devices, knives, a sword and nun chucks.
• Allegedly stolen bank cards.
Five people were arrested as part of the operation including:
• A 38-year-old Mooroolbark man who was charged with traffick a drug of dependance, theft, trespass, possess prohibited weapon, breach of bail conditions, commit indictable offences whilst on bail, and other related offences.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 21 June.
• A 39-year-ol Mooroolbark man who was charged with theft, trespass, possess a drug of dependance, possess prohibited weapon, and other related offences.
He was bailed to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 29 November.
• A 29-year-old Mooroolbark woman who is expected to be charged on summons with theft.
• A 34-year-old Alfredton man who was charged with theft, trespass and possess prohibited weapon.
He was bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates Court on 7 September.
• A 31-year-old Alfredton woman who was charged with theft, trespass, handle stolen goods and commit indictable offences whilst on bail.
She was remanded to appear at the Heidelberg Magistrates Court on 17 June.
These warrants are the latest part of an ongoing investigation into car re-birthing linked to a Melbourne organised crime syndicate.
Over the past 12 months, Vehicle Crime Squad detectives have executed 47 search warrants, arrested 25 people, and laid more than 375 charges.
Investigators have seized 54 motor vehicles, 27 trailers, 21 motorcycles, 19 engines, a stolen tow truck, a stolen boat, three stolen earth moving machines, four firearms, hundreds of stolen power tools, stolen auto parts and quantities of drugs.
In excess of 800 items of property valued at more than 2.5 million dollars have been seized.
Anyone with information about individuals or businesses that may be involved in motor vehicle theft, dealing in stolen vehicles and automotive parts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
