Vehicles, commercial trailers and an excavator are among more than $300,000 worth of stolen property returned to the rightful owners following a spate of thefts in Melbourne's east.
Manningham Crime Investigation Unit investigators believe a series of incidents occurred between 29 June and 2 August across multiple suburbs including Cranbourne, Donvale, Montrose Mitcham, Nunawading, Vermont and Wandin North.
Following an extensive investigation, police executed a search warrant at a property in Mitcham this week. Detectives arrested a 38-year-old Mitcham woman. She was later released and is expected to be charged on summons.
During the warrant at the Mitcham address, police also arrested:
• A 29-year-old Mitcham woman was arrested and released pending summons.
• A 25-year-old Don Valley woman was arrested and released pending summons.
• A 22-year-old Richmond man was arrested and released pending summons.
• A 22-year-old Warburton man was arrested and charged with handle stolen goods. He was bailed to appear in court at a later date.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Police have seized more than $300,000 of stolen property including:
• A trailer valued at $1500 which was taken from a Mitcham property on 29 June.
• A trailer containing bikes valued at $7000 taken from a property in Vermont. The trailer belonged to a non-profit organisation that facilitates camps for disadvantaged children.
• A camping tent trailer containing equipment valued at $2000 stolen from a Montrose property on 14 July.
• A large Go Kart trailer containing equipment valued at $120,000 stolen from a property in Donvale on 20 July.
• A trailer containing tools valued at more than $100,000 stolen from a Wandin North property on 21 July.
• A trailer containing building materials valued at $6500 stolen from a Mitcham property on 22 July.
• A trailer with an excavator valued at $35,000 taken from a Mitcham property on 22 July.
• A Nissan Patrol valued at $15,000 stolen from a Nunawading property on 1 August.
• A Toyota Sedan valued at $30,000 stolen from a Cranbourne property on 2 August.
Detectives have been in contact with multiple victims and returned most of the stolen property.
The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Detective Sergeant Brad March, Manningham Crime Investigation Unit:
"We're really pleased to have returned the majority of stolen property to their rightful owners. These items are more than just objects - they're crucial to people's livelihoods and businesses.
"Our detectives are committed to holding anyone responsible for criminal activity to account.
"We encourage the community to share any information you have with police, no matter how small.
