Detectives from the Vehicle Crime Squad have recovered 25 stolen vehicles worth in excess of $1.75 million and processed 43 offenders for more than 250 offences following a four-month operation targeting illegal activities at second-hand car dealers, auto wrecking exporters and scrap metal businesses.
Eight illegal second-hand auto dealers were also shut down during the operation.
Resolution of Operation Neptune was split over two phases and conducted in partnership with Hume City Council, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), Vehicle Examination Unit and Victoria Police Highway Patrol and general duties units.
Phase one ran from 8-10 February in Campbellfield, Sunshine and Dandenong.
Twelve auto-wrecking and scrap businesses were inspected, over 300 motor vehicles were checked, inspected or intercepted and 25 motor vehicles - worth in excess of $1.85M - were seized and towed away, in breach of local laws.
Police also executed search warrants at a business address on Paul Court in Dandenong and a residential property on Knox Street in Noble Park.
They subsequently seized a stolen trailer, stolen registration plates and false documents at the Dandenong address.
A 20-year-old Broadmeadows man was charged with armed robbery, assault, criminal damage and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
He was remanded in custody and faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 15 February.
A 44-year-old Westmeadows man was charged with operating as an unregistered second-hand dealer and fined $1817.
His auto wrecking business was the subject of a closure notice.
A 44-year-old man from Noble Park was charged with theft, handle stolen goods and commit indictable offences whilst on bail.
He was remanded in custody and faced Dandenong Magistrates' Court on 11 February.
A 66-year-old Bangholme man was arrested and interviewed in relation to offences against the second-hand dealers act, handle stolen goods and make false documents.
He was released and is expected to be charged on summons.
His auto business was also the subject of a closure notice.
A further six people were issued with penalty infringement notices for offences including failing to display registration plates correctly, towing of unregistered trailers, a truck unsafely and insecurely transporting wrecked motor vehicles, failing to wear seatbelts, driver licence offences and illegally driving in the emergency lane.
Phase two of the operation was conducted on 23 and 24 February, in Campbellfield, Dallas and Epping.
Over the course of two days, six auto-wrecking and scrap businesses were inspected, more than 200 motor vehicles were checked, inspected or intercepted and four stolen trailers, a Hummer, a stolen Toyota Hilux and five stolen registration plates were seized.
Search warrants were executed at two business premises in Willandra Drive, Epping and Fordson Road, Campbellfield, and a residential address in Geach Street, Dallas.
A 34-year-old man from Dallas was charged with handle stolen goods, possess proceeds of crime, drive whilst disqualified, commit indictable offence whilst on bail and operate as an unregistered second-hand dealer.
He was bailed and will face Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court on 6 May.
His business in Epping was the subject of a closure notice.
A 33-year-old man Fawkner man was charged with a range of offences, including handle stolen goods, possess proceeds of crime and paying cash for scrap metal.
His motor vehicle exporting business in Campbellfield was also the subject of a closure notice.
He was bailed to appear at Broadmeadows' Magistrates Court on 8 August.
A 38-year-old man from Lalor was charged with operating as an unregistered second-hand dealer and fined $1817. His business in Campbellfield was the subject of a closure notice.
A 48-year-old Doncaster East man was charged with failing to keep complete and accurate records and fined $363.
Overall 43 offenders were identified for over 250 offences during the four month investigation and either charged or received a penalty notice.
Anyone with information about illegal vehicle activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Detective Sergeant Scott Williams, Vehicle Crime Squad:
"Over the course of four months, we have inspected 45 auto-wrecking and scrap metal businesses, checking more than 500 motor vehicles and closing eight illegal businesses.
"Illegal activity of any kind at second-hand dealer or auto-wrecking exporters and scrap metal businesses can pose a major safety threat to unwitting buyers.
"The wider ramifications of this kind of crime can ripple through to the entire community - from someone who can't get to work or get their kids to school because their car's been stolen, to insurance premiums being raised for everyone to cover the costs of vehicle theft.
"The Vehicle Crime Squad will continue to target those contributing to organised motor vehicle crime in Victoria and shut down any illegal activity of this nature.
"There are a number of businesses currently on our radar, so if you are acting illegally or profiting from illegal motor vehicles, parts or scrap metal, you can expect a visit from us.
"We'd also invite anyone with information about illegal activity to please contact Crime Stoppers - it can be done anonymously, and we'll continue to act on these reports and close rogue businesses."
