A St Albans man has been charged with numerous offences as a result of an investigation into the handling of allegedly stolen vehicles at an automotive wrecking business in Sunshine North.
Police executed a search at a Baldwin Avenue address on January 27 following information the business had allegedly been operating in contravention of the Second Hand Dealers Act.
Multiple items were seized during a search of the business, including a stolen 2000 Mercedes A190, a stolen Ford AU Fairmont and a de-identified motorcycle.
A 35-year-old St Albans man was subsequently charged with a range of offences, including handling stolen goods, possess/negligently deal with proceeds of crime, fail to keep accurate records, buy unidentified vehicle for scrap and fail to notify authority of change of address.
He was bailed to appear at the Sunshine Magistrates at a later date.
An Interim Closure Notice was issued by the Vehicle Crime Squad to close down the business.
Police will also continue to work with Brimbank council and Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) in relation to this matter and ongoing investigations into waste crime/dumping.
Vehicle Crime Squad Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Scott Williams said police recognise the significant and long-lasting impact crimes such as vehicle thefts can have on victims.
“With parts of these vehicles missing, it suggests they were acquired to support the stolen parts market, which often funds other established crime networks. “
That is among the reasons why we take these crimes extremely seriously, and always investigate every report thoroughly.
“We will take swift action to disrupt and hold those responsible for these crimes to account, along with those who are involved through the handling of stolen items.”
