Fifty-three people were arrested as part of a major police operation in Brimbank and Melton earlier this month with police also seizing several edged weapons and a firearm.
Police arrested alleged burglars, car thieves and dangerous drivers and recovered six stolen cars in the operation, Operation Momentum, which ran from 1-4 October.
A suspected stolen motorcycle was also recovered.
A total of 115 charges were laid for burglary, car theft, dangerous driving, weapon and firearm offences.
Of these charges, nine people were charged for their alleged involvement in the stolen vehicles recovered.
Several alleged dangerous drivers were also caught after attempting to evade police or failing to stop, with police drawing links to further alleged serious offending.
The arrests included two men who were allegedly travelling in a stolen Ford F250 in Melton before 11pm on Thursday 2 October.
The car was tracked by the Air Wing to an address in Melton South where the two occupants were arrested.
It’s alleged the car was stolen from a property in Hillside in late September.
Both men, aged 57 and 38, were charged with theft of a motor vehicle and handling stolen goods.
In another incident, a 27-year-old Tarneit man who allegedly stole copper wiring from a construction site on Taylors Road was arrested before fleeing in a vehicle at about 4.20am on Thursday 2 October.
The car was tracked by the Air Wing to Tarneit where one of the occupants was arrested.
He was charged with theft, trespass, going equipped to steal and dangerous driving.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Rebecca Stokes said Operation Momentum continues to be a huge success for the local area.
“Aggravated burglaries and car thefts are a huge priority for local police, with offenders arrested weekly and stolen cars regularly being recovered,” she said.
“Operation Momentum will continue – this should send a firm warning to those thinking of committing crimes in our area that we can be out at anytime to catch up with you.”
Anyone with information about crime in their area should report this to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
