Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested five people following a series of ram raids at luxury stores in Melbourne's CBD.
Detectives executed multiple search warrants at six properties and storage units in Cranbourne, Dandenong and Springvale yesterday.
Investigators allegedly located and seized a number of luxury handbags, stolen vehicles, drugs and assorted jewellery.
The warrants follow multiple ram raids at stores across Melbourne, including:
• a store on Collins Street on 6 March
• a store on Collins Street on 21 March
• a store on Bourke Street on 6 April
• a store on Collins Stret on 8 April
• a store in Collins Street on 16 April
• a store on Mt Alexander Road, Essendon, on 16 April.
It is alleged luxury items worth a total of approximately $1.2 million were stolen during the ram raids.
A 21-year-old man from Springvale has been charged with theft of motor vehicle, burglary, attempted burglary, theft, handle stolen goods, theft from motor car, criminal damage and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
A 31-year-old man from Cranbourne has been charged with theft from motor vehicle, burglary, theft, possess trafficable quantity of drug, possess drug of dependence, commit indictable offence whilst on bail and deal with proceeds of crime.
A second 31-year-old man from Cranbourne has been charged with theft from motor vehicle, burglary, aggravated burglary, attempted burglary, theft, commit indictable offence whilst on bail, handle stolen goods and unlicensed driving.
They were remanded and will appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.
A 30-year-old man from Springvale has been charged with theft of motor vehicle, possess drug of dependence and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates' Court on 5 August.
A 30-year-old man from Dandenong was released pending summons.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents, with dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
