Detectives from the Vehicle Crime Squad have this week charged a man and seized an electrical bypass, a stolen vehicle, a de-identified vehicle and stolen registration plates as part of an investigation into the rebirthing and export of stolen vehicles.
With assistance from the Illicit Firearms Squad and the Dog Squad, two warrants were executed at factory addresses in Campbellfield on Wednesday, 17 July.
A 39-year-old Meadow Heights man was charged with handle stolen goods and possess drug of dependence.
He was bailed to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court on 19 November.
Investigators seized an electrical bypass, a de-identified Land Cruiser believed to be stolen, a black Holden Commodore which was stolen from Brunswick West in May of this year, stolen registration plates and a small quantity of drugs of dependence.
Investigators will allege the stolen vehicles were being deidentified, rebirthed and transported to Queensland.
An electrical company in attendance at the warrant seized the electrical bypass, disconnected the power to the addresses and issued a defect notice to the occupier.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information on vehicle rebirthing is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald, Vehicle Crime Squad:
"The Vehicle Crime Squad will continue to target those contributing to organised motor vehicle crime in Victoria and shut down any illegal activity of this nature.
"Stolen and rebirthed vehicles are often used in the commission of other serious offences as there can be a misconception that offenders are able to move around more easily and without detection. This is not true.
"Victoria Police recognises the significant and long-lasting impact crimes such as vehicle thefts can have on victims and the broader community, and we will take swift action to disrupt and hold those responsible to account.
"We'd also invite anyone with information about this kind of illegal activity to please contact Crime Stoppers - it can be done anonymously, and we'll continue to act on these reports."
