Detectives from the Vehicle Crime Squad yesterday arrested two people and seized a number of vehicles as part of an investigation linked to the attempted theft of a luxury vehicle in Docklands last month.
On Tuesday morning police executed a warrant at a residential property on Braeside Walk, Caroline Springs which was allegedly being used as an unlicensed second-hand dealership.
Three vehicles were seized from the address including a Ford XR8 ute, an allegedly stolen BMW 750i and an allegedy rebirthed Mitsubishi Evolution.
Police will allege the offenders targeted these vehicles to rebirth and on-sell for profit.
Drugs, including methylamphetamines and GHB, as well as cloned and false registration plates were also seized from the address.
Two men were arrested and subsequently interviewed by police.
A 43-year-old Caroline Springs man was charged with burglary, theft of motor vehicle, theft, criminal damage, traffick and possess drug of dependence, possess GHB, handle stolen goods, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, car rebirthing offences, driving offences and commit indictable offences whilst on bail.
He faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today and was remanded to appear again on 28 January, 2022.
A 29-year-old Caroline Springs man was charged with burglary, theft of motor vehicle, theft, criminal damage and car rebirthing offences.
He was bailed and will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 1 June, 2022.
Yesterday’s arrests and seizures form part of an investigation into an incident at an apartment building on Collins Street, Docklands on 28 November.
A tow truck was driven into the property about 3am in an attempt to steal a Maserati valued at $85,000.
The offenders were startled by apartment security and fled the area in the tow truck, leaving behind the extensively damaged Maserati.
The truck was located in Millers Road, Altona about 4am.
Significant damage was also caused to the apartment building during the incident.
The investigation into this matter remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Sergeant Scott Williams, Vehicle Crime Squad:
“Vehicle theft has an incredibly detrimental impact on the community in a variety of ways, in this investigation alone we’ve seen extensive damage caused to vehicles and property.
“We also seized allegedly stolen vehicles, meaning we have victims who were without their cars and that might have been essential to their ability to work or look after their families.
“Re-birthed vehicles are a major safety threat to the unwitting buyers and the fact we had a syndicate operating unlicensed is of immense concern.
“Profit motivated vehicle theft remains a significant issue for police in Victoria and we encourage anyone with information about the theft, re-birthing and subsequent sale of vehicles to contact police.”
