Fawkner Divisional Response Unit detectives have charged five people after 1200 clothing items, allegedly stolen and believed to be worth over $60,000, were recovered during five warrants following a two-month investigation.
Police carried out search warrants at properties on Meakin Avenue and Fairways Avenue in Deer Park, as well as Tarlee Drive in Albanvale and Clarice Drive in St Albans on Thursday, 15 September.
A further warrant was conducted on Chatsworth Avenue in Ardeer on Wednesday, 21 September.
The warrants follow an investigation into alleged large-scale shop thefts at retail clothing stores across Melbourne.
Large amounts of cash, around $60,000 of high-value liquor alleged to be proceeds of crime and cannabis plants were also discovered at the properties.
A 57-year-old Deer Park woman was charged with four counts of shop theft, handling stolen goods and two counts of dealing property suspected of being the proceeds of crime.
A 38-year-old Deer Park woman was charged with 24 counts of shop theft and cultivating a narcotic plant.
A 42-year-old Deer Park man was charged with 18 counts of shop theft, six counts of attempted theft and assault of an emergency service worker.
A 35-year-old St Albans woman was charged with 42 counts of shop theft.
A 59-year-old St Albans woman was charged with one count of shop theft and dealing in property suspected of being the proceeds of crime.
They were all released on bail and will appear at Sunshine Magistrates' Court on 2 March 2023.
