Transit Divisional Response Unit police have arrested three men over the theft of car parts from dozens of vehicles parked in the vicinity of railway stations in Melbourne's southeast.
It is alleged 49 incidents involving 70 thefts from motor vehicles and five attempted thefts from motor vehicles occurred between 5 May and 24 August 2021.
Parts stolen included catalytic converters, which form part of a vehicle's exhaust system and help reduce emissions. They are typically on-sold for cash.
The thefts and attempted thefts occurred across 10 local government areas:
• Greater Dandenong - 40
• Casey - 16
• Kingston - 6
• Monash - 4
• Knox - 3
• Frankston - 2
• Glen Eira - 1
• Maroondah - 1
• Mornington Peninsula - 1
• Yarra Ranges - 1
Police executed four warrants last Thursday morning in Cranbourne North, Noble Park and Cranbourne, arresting three men and seizing property including tools, car jacks and clothing.
A 20-year-old Cranbourne North man has been charged with 32 counts of theft from motor vehicle and attempted theft from motor vehicle.
A 24-year-old Noble Park man has been charged with 21 counts of theft from motor vehicle and attempted theft from motor vehicle.
A 21-year-old Cranbourne man has been charged with 37 counts of theft from motor vehicle and attempted theft from motor vehicle.
All three men were bailed to appear at the Dandenong Magistrates' Court at a later date.
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Robert Milliken:
"Thefts like this cause more than just inconvenience for car owners. These offences alone have caused about $35,000 worth of damage to the vehicles involved.
"We know that thieves often steal car parts for cash, so to them our message is clear - if your intention is to commit crime in the vicinity of public transport, don't bother. You will be caught and held accountable.
"Transit police are actively working to tackle crime on and around the public transport network, including railway station carparks.
"We urge car owners catching the train to park in well-lit areas where possible and remove valuables from their vehicles.
