Police caught more than 20 burglars, car thieves and dangerous drivers during a four-night operation targeting stolen vehicles in Hume last week.
Five stolen vehicles were also recovered, as Sunbury police and detectives from the Hume Crime Investigation Unit saturated local roads each night, scanning vehicles to detect stolen cars and motorbikes, and arresting individuals wanted on outstanding warrants.
The operation follows an increase in car theft in the area.
Police intelligence reveals almost half of recent car thefts in the area were stolen via unlocked doors.
Those arrested as part of Operation Sneak include a man and a woman who were apprehended about two hours after allegedly stealing a white Toyota sedan from an address in Richmond, which ended up coming to a stop at Melbourne Airport.
Air Wing observed the vehicle allegedly travelling on the Tullamarine Freeway of speeds up to 170km/h.
Working with units on the ground, police were able to deploy stop sticks at the intersection of Bulla Road and Balmoral Avenue.
The car continued travelling at low speeds to Melbourne Airport where it eventually came to a stop and the two people were arrested.
The alleged driver, a 29-year-old male from no fixed address was charged with drug driving, theft of motor vehicle, reckless conduct endangering life, dangerous driving, unlicenced driving, fail to stop and fail to answer bail. He was remanded in custody to appear at court at a later date.
The alleged passenger, a 24-year-old female from Broadmeadows was charged with theft of motor vehicle. She was bailed to appear at court at a later date.
Of the 21 people processed, this included:
• 4 arrested for home burglaries.
• 2 arrested for evading police in a stolen vehicle.
• 7 for illegal drug possession, with 6 issued with cautions.
• 2 for outstanding warrants.
• 1 for theft.
• 5 disqualified or suspended drivers detected.
The total results from the operation show:
• 5 outstanding stolen vehicles recovered, including four cars and one motorbike.
• 5 suspended drivers or disqualified drivers detected who are all expected to be charged on summons.
• 6 fines issued for driving offences.
• 4 bench warrants issued.
Operation Sneak ran in the Hume area from 4 - 7 September.
While police continue to work around the clock to identify offenders and return stolen items, they want to remind residents that simple measures like removing valuables and locking vehicles can deter thieves.
Anyone with information about the images released is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Sunbury Police Acting Sergeant Shae Morrison:
"Vehicle theft continues to be a priority for police in the Hume area, with offenders arrested every week for this crime.
"Unfortunately, some people fall victim to these opportunistic crimes because their cars are left unlocked, so we'd like to remind the community to always ensure your vehicle is locked, even if it is parked in a secure driveway.
"The message is clear - if you're travelling around in a stolen vehicle in Hume you can expect to be caught."
