Melton detectives have dismantled an organised car theft syndicate operating in Melbourne's west, arresting the alleged ringleader and recovering 36 stolen cars.
Four people, including the alleged ringleader, were arrested last week at an address in Sunbury by detectives from the Melton Crime Investigation Unit.
It's alleged the group stole a black Holden Commodore from a café in Caroline Springs on 23 March, which was then tracked by police to a property on Greigs Road in Truganina on the same day.
With the Air Wing monitoring from above, police observed at least four alleged stolen vehicles in the paddock at the back of the property.
It's alleged the vehicles fled once noticing the chopper above and were tracked to areas in south-eastern and eastern suburbs where they were located unoccupied later that day.
One of the vehicles didn't make it off the property after getting bogged while attempting to flee out the back of a wire fence.
Investigators believe the group is also linked to a property on Plumpton Road in Diggers Rest, where 30 alleged stolen vehicles were recovered earlier this year, including a tow truck and a car carrier trailer.
The vehicles are alleged to have been stolen from suburbs across the state, including Albert Park, Brighton, Caroline Springs, Essendon and Werribee after offenders forced entry into cars and used onboard diagnostic tools to quickly steal them.
Some of the vehicles stolen include several Holden Commodores, a Holden Special Vehicle Maloo valued at $200,000, a Toyota Landcruiser as well as car carrier trailers.
Inside the seized vehicles, police also located several registration plates allegedly stolen from railway stations right across the state.
It's alleged that in addition to stealing high end vehicles, the group has also been stealing significant quantities of copper which they were stripping and on selling.
In addition to the cars seized, police also located the following during the warrant in Sunbury on 31 March:
• Significant quantity of stolen copper which offenders were interrupted allegedly stripping for re-sale on police arrival
• Ammunition
• Methyl amphetamine
• Suboxone
• Two onboard diagnostic tools
The alleged ringleader is a 26-year-old from Riddells Creek, and has been charged with seven counts of theft of motor vehicle, prohibited person possess firearm, three counts of dangerous driving while pursued, three counts of reckless conduct endangering, three counts of handle stolen goods and possession of ammunition.
He has been remanded in custody to appear at Sunshine Magistrates' Court on 2 May.
Police also arrested a 43-year-old Diggers Rest woman and a 28-year-old Bacchus Marsh man. They were both charged with theft related offences and drug possession, and were bailed to appear at court at a later date.
The fourth person, a 29-year-old Ballarat man, was interviewed and released pending enquiries.
Police are continuing to investigate the alleged syndicate with further arrests expected.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Melton Crime Investigation Unit, Detective Acting Sergeant David Bonnier:
"This result is extremely positive for the community, with investigators from Melton working tirelessly over the last few weeks to not only recover these vehicles but to put an end to further thefts.
"The result also highlights our ongoing commitment to addressing the rise in car thefts which we know are of concern to both police and the community.
"We are absolutely committed to continue targeting those behind organised vehicle thefts and getting cars back into the hands of their rightful owners."
