Tara Murray
Police have arrested 18 people and charged them with more than 300 offences as part of a nine-month investigation into car re-birthing in Melbourne’s outer northern and western suburbs.
The group is believed to be linked to a Melbourne organised crime syndicate, and allegedly stole vehicles and machinery before taking them to rural properties to be dismantled, re-birthed and sold for profit.
The investigation started after police received information about possible criminal activity at a property. Investigations led to further properties and persons of interest being identified.
It’s alleged the syndicate was involved in the supply of vehicles to criminal groups and offenders, with many of the seized vehicles subsequently linked to other incidents such as pursuits.
Between May and September, police executed 32 warrants across residential, rural and business properties, where they seized motor vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, vehicle engines, high-end bicycles, earth moving machines, a tow truck and a boat. More than 70 vehicles were seized.
Police also seized four high-powered firearms and ammunition, cash, drugs including methamphetamines, cannabis, GHB and cocaine, and hundreds of stolen power tools and auto parts.
More than 800 items of property valued at more than $2.5 million were seized by investigators.
Twelve men and six women have been charged.
They include a 33-year-old Doreen male who was charged with offences related to possessing drugs of dependence and handling stolen goods.
A 30-year-old Thomastown woman was charged with eight offences in relation to trafficking methamphetamines, cultivating cannabis and handling stolen goods.
A 46-year-old Sunshine West woman was charged with handling stolen goods and obtaining a financial advantage by deception.
A 39-year-old Taylors Lakes man was charged with 16 offences related to handling stolen goods and possessing drugs of dependence.
A 44-year-old Sunshine West man was charged with 30 offences relating to conspiracy to commit theft, theft, motor vehicle rebirthing offences and handling stolen goods. He was remanded in custody.
A 61-year-old Lancefield woman was arrested and charged in relation to handling stolen goods and criminal damage by fire. A 36-year-old Romsey woman was arrested and charged with eight offences in relation to handling stolen goods, criminal damage by fire and possessing proceeds of crime.
A 33-year-old Lancefield man was charged with 21 offences related to theft and handling stolen goods. He remains in custody.
A 38-year-old Melton West man was charged with 29 offences related to possessing a traffickable quantity of firearms and handling stolen goods. He was remanded in custody,
A 37-year-old Hillside man was charged with handling stolen goods and disqualified driving offences. He was bailed to appear in December.
Detective Superintendent Peter Brigham, who oversees the Crime Command’s State Anti-Gang Division, said these results were the culmination of months of committed investigation by the Vehicle Crime Squad.
“The arrest of 18 people over the course of the investigation and the seizure of the significant number of vehicles, equipment, firearms, cash and drugs is an enormous win,” he said.
“Vehicle theft has an incredibly detrimental impact on the community in a variety of ways, including the use of the stolen vehicles in the commission of other serious crimes and allowing offenders to move around more easily.
“This syndicate had no regard for the safety of the community and this is further evidenced by the firearms seizures linked to this investigation.”
