Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested and charged a man with 30 offences and seized over $60,000 of stolen cars, cash and jewellery following a series of alleged burglaries and car thefts across Melbourne's east last month.
It's alleged the incidents occurred between 1 July and 31 July including:
• A burglary in Chirnside Park on 1 July where a camera valued at $2000 was stolen.
• Two burglaries in Chum Creek on 3 July where cash, chainsaw, tools and a coffee machine valued at $43,500 were stolen.
• A burglary in Gladysdale on 22 July where cash, watches and jewellery valued at $5000 were stolen.
• A burglary in Brunswick on 27 July where a laptop, computers and concert tickets valued at $3000 were stolen.
• A burglary in Heathmont on 30 July where a motor vehicle, safe containing passports and jewellery valued at $7000 were stolen.
• A burglary in Healesville on 30 July where watches, jewellery and cash valued at $5000 were stolen.
• A burglary in Park Orchards on 31 July where jewellery, war medals and antiques valued at $2000 were stolen.
On 31 July, detectives arrested a 41-year-old Chirnside Park man as he was allegedly breaking into a property in Park Orchards. He was charged with 30 offences including burglary, theft, theft of motor vehicle and possessing a drug of dependence.
He was remanded to appear before Ringwood Magistrates' Court on 27 August.
Police also executed three search warrants at properties in Healesville, Mooroolbark & Chirnside Park and seized stolen property including:
• Jewellery
• Watches
• Clothing
• Power tools
• Alcohol
• High-end electric bikes and racing bikes
• Polaris 4-wheel buggy
• Tree climbing work equipment
• Personal items of sentimental value to the victims
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Stephen Sheahan - Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit:
""Police will leave no stone unturned when it comes to apprehending those who think they have the right to waltz into someone else's home and take what is not theirs.
"Our community is a very safe place to live and we are extremely determined to make sure it stays that way."