Police are searching for two men in relation to the burglary of a Derrimut business and the dumping of gas cylinders alongside Kororoit Creek.
Last Monday, emergency services were called to investigate seven large compressed gas cylinders that were found strewn on the banks of Kororoit Creek at Deer Park, near Station Waters Reserve.
The operation required police to rope off the area in case of a toxic chemical spill.
The cylinders were found to contain compressed natural gas and belonged to NGV Group, which had been broken into the day before. A trailer had been stolen with 14 gas cylinders on board.
NGV Group chief executive Sean Blythe said the thieves cut a lock to gain entry into the facility before stealing the purpose-built trailer.
“The trailer hasn’t been found, but it’s covered by insurance,” he said. “We’ve got half the cylinders back and we expect the rest will be recovered – they’ll be dumped somewhere.”
Closed circuit TV footage shows two men using a blue Toyota Hilux to tow the trailer. The trailer’s registration plate is W58 827.
A Victoria Police spokesman said it is believed the offenders entered the Australis Drive property about 6.20am on Sunday, January 29.
Brimbank council’s director city development Stuart Menzies said the council was aware of the dumped materials and would provide Victoria Police with any assistance in its investigations, as required.
He said Brimbank has a zero tolerance approach to illegal rubbish dumping and would seek to prosecute the offenders.
“Council does not tolerate the environmental and amenity impacts of litter in the municipality.
“Last financial year, the council spent about $700,000 cleaning up illegally dumped rubbish.
“(That’s) money that could be better spent on other community priorities,” Mr Menzies said.
He urged people to report rubbish dumping they suspect is illegal on the council’s website, www.brimbank.vic.gov.au, or by phoning 9249 4000.
