Detectives from the Box Hill Divisional Response Unit (DRU) have this week charged three men following a spate of alleged sophisticated residential burglaries across Melbourne.
Police allege the three Irish nationals, who entered Australia in the last six months, allegedly stole more than $1 million of property, including cash, jewellery and designer handbags.
The trio are allegedly responsible for over 60 home burglaries across Blackburn, Doncaster, Narre Warren, Hampton Park Narre Warren and Templestowe since January.
The majority of these offences occurred while the occupants were away from their homes. After breaking into homes, the trio allegedly used cleaning products in an attempt to cover their tracks.
On Thursday 2 May, Box Hill detectives arrested the men at a hotel near Melbourne Airport. A 24-year-old man, a 25-year-old man and a 19-year-old man all with no fixed address were all charged with numerous counts of aggravated home invasion, aggravated burglary, burglary, and theft from motor vehicle. All three men were remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Three further Irish nationals, who police will allege are part of the same syndicate, were arrested on 18 March in connection to home burglaries in Sunshine and Mill Park between January and March this year.
Investigators recovered more than $380,000 cash and designer jewellery which was allegedly stolen during from these two properties.
A 35-year-old man, 28-year-old man, and a 21-year-old man all with no fixed address were charged with two counts of burglary, two counts of theft, two counts of criminal damage, aggravated home invasion and false imprisonment. All three men were remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday 25 June.
Investigators are continuing to probe whether both groups are linked to any other unsolved burglaries. Both investigations remain ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Brendon Pollock, Box Hill Divisional Response Unit:
“Your home should be your sanctuary – Victoria Police simply will not stand for anyone who seeks to enter someone else’s home and takes what’s not theirs.
“We will continue to target serious and organised crime groups, no matter where they’re from.”
