By Mikayla van Loon
Vehicle Crime Squad detectives have arrested and charged five people, including three from Mooroolbark, as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged vehicle theft and rebirthing.
Search warrants were executed in Mooroolbark, Alfredton, Wallan, and a storage unit in Wendouree on 10 and 11 June.
Investigators found 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 and allegedly stolen bank cards.
A 38-year-old Mooroolbark man was charged with a number of offences including traffick a drug of dependance, theft, possess prohibited weapon, breach of bail conditions and other related offences.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 21 June.
A 39-year-old Mooroolbark man was also charged with theft, trespass, possess a drug of dependance, possess prohibited weapon, and other related offences.
He has been remanded to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 29 November.
A 29-year-old Mooroolbark woman is expected to be charged on summons with theft.
A man and woman from Alfredton have also been charged and are awaiting court appearances at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
In the last 12 months Vehicle Crime Squad detectives have executed 47 search warrants, arrested 25 people, and laid more than 375 charges as part of this investigation into car re-birthing linked to a Melbourne organised crime syndicate.
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.
The 800 items seized by detectives are valued at a total of 2.5 million dollars.
Police ask that if anyone has any information about individuals or businesses being involved in motor vehicle theft, dealing in stolen vehicles and automotive parts to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
