Detectives from the Vehicle Crime Squad have charged a man overnight and seized three previously stolen Holden Special Vehicles, drugs, and stolen IDs and car parts following an investigation into the rebirthing of stolen Holden V8 vehicles.
With assistance from the Illicit Firearms Squad and Fugitive Squad a search warrant was executed yesterday (Wednesday, 5 June) at a residential address in Narre Warren.
A 30-year-old Newborough man was charged with over 43 offences including handle stolen goods, theft of motor vehicle, theft from motor vehicle, theft and possess drug of dependence.
He was remanded to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court on 3 July.
Investigators seized a stolen Holden VF SS, methylamphetamine, approximately 20 sets of vehicle keys linked to a burglary, multiple sets of stolen number plates, multiple diagnostic tools (valued at over $50K) and multiple victim IDs believed to have been stolen from inside motor vehicles from the address.
With assistance from the Illicit Firearms Squad and Morwell Divisional Response Unit, a warrant was previously executed at a Darlimurla address on Wednesday, 15 May.
Two previously stolen Holdens - an SSV Redline utility, a Clubsport and a vehicle fitted with stolen SSV Walkinshaw sedan interior, front and rear bumpers from stolen vehicles, an engine from a six litre V8 Holden, stolen number plates and a surveillance device sweeper were seized from the property.
The two stolen vehicles had their window VINs replaced, stamped floor VINs cut out and replaced, electronic control units replaced and engine numbers ground off.
Police will allege those involved were rebirthing and on selling stolen Holden vehicles, specifically Holden Special Vehicles (HSVs).
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:
"Rebirthed vehicles can be a major safety threat to unwitting buyers - often the rebirthing process is not carried out by a qualified mechanic, meaning that the car could have serious issues which can result in an accident.
"Not to mention the use of the stolen vehicles in the commission of other serious crimes and allowing offenders to move around more easily.
"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.
"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."
