Melbourne West uniform police have charged four people and seized a range of weapons, drugs and stolen items including a Princes Hill woman’s prized possession – an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) Medal as part of an investigation into a series of burglaries.
In a search warrant conducted in Parkville last week, police located a wide variety of items including a homemade firearm manufactured by a 3D printer, a machine designed to manufacture fake credit cards and drivers’ licences, a stolen car and drugs.
The most surprising item located was an AO Medal – a rare medal issued by the Australian Government recognising distinguished service of a high degree to Australia.
After making enquiries, police were thankfully able to locate the rightful owner of the medal and reunite the 85-year-old woman with her AO medal.
The victim’s Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) Medal was stolen during the burglary and still remains outstanding. The AC Medal is issued by the Australian Government and recognises service of the highest degree to Australia.
Melbourne West police have been investigating a series of burglaries in the area, including the burglary in Princes Hill back in February.
The investigation led to the warrant being executed in Parkville last week, with four people charged with a range of offences, including firearm possession, handle stolen goods, make false documents, theft of and from motor vehicle and drug possession.
The full list of items seized by police at the warrants on Wednesday 17 May include:
• Homemade firearm manufactured by a 3D printer
• 50 x assorted calibre ammunition cartridges
• Firearm parts belonging to a rifle
• A range of different weapons including knives, blades, and homemade dangerous articles
• A machine allegedly designed to manufacture fake credit cards and drivers’ licences
• Over 100 stolen identification cards, passports, and private documents
• Several fraudulent ID cards
• One stolen car
• Multiple quantities of drugs including methyl amphetamine, heroin, cocaine, cannabis, 1-4 Butanediol and prescription medication
• Companion of the Order of Australia Medal (AC)
Those charged include:
• 39-year-old man from Parkville charged with prohibited person possess firearm, possess cartridge ammunition, possess drug of dependence, possess weapons, handle stolen goods, make false document and commit indictable offence while on bail. He was bailed to appear at court at a later date.
• 32-year-old man from Parkville charged with prohibited person possess firearm, fail to surrender firearm on FPO service, possess drug of dependence, handle stolen goods, make false document and commit indictable offence while on bail. He was remanded to appear at court at a later date.
• 56-year-old from Murrumbeena charged with theft of motor vehicle, theft from motor vehicle, assault, stalking and threats to kill. He was remanded to appear at court at a later date.
• 33-year-old from Point Cook charged with possessing drug of dependence, possess weapon and deal in the proceeds of crime. He was bailed to appear at court at a later date.
Anyone with information about criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Melbourne West Senior Sergeant Peter Sambell:
“Medals of such importance and value in the Australian community are a rare find during a search warrant – we knew immediately that this was a special occasion.”
“We were extremely pleased to be able to reunite the owner with her medal – something that will be treasured by her entire family.”
“Finding the AO medal has also reignited hope that we will be able to find her missing AC medal – we implore anyone with information of its whereabouts to come forward to police.”
