More than 50 people have been arrested in the western suburbs during a two-night operation targeting car thieves and dangerous drivers.
Operation Shows runs sporadically in the Wyndham, Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong areas, with local police teaming up with specialist units including the Air Wing and Dog Squad to target car thieves and track down offenders.
Over the two nights in late March, 51 people were arrested for a range of offences including car thefts, dangerous driving and suspended or disqualified driving.
Two stolen cars were recovered.
Those arrested include:
- A 33-year-old from Manor Lakes and a 31-year-old from Werribee after allegedly driving a stolen white Volkswagen Golf, stolen from Mount Duneed on 19 March. The Werribee man was charged with theft of motor vehicle.
- A 39-year-old man who was riding an e-bike on Bolton Road at about 11.50pm on 25 March who was allegedly wanted on four outstanding warrants.
- A 47-year-old Wyndham Vale man who was allegedly driving a white Ford Falcon utility displaying false registration plates on Ballan Road at about 11.20pm on 26 March. He was also charged with driving an unregistered car, unlicenced driving and breach of bail.
- A 23-year-old woman from South Yarra who was allegedly riding a stolen motor scooter on Baggott Drive at about 11.25pm on 26 March. She was charged with theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, unlicenced driving, unregistered motor vehicle, riding without a helmet and fail to affix registration plates.
- A 32-year-old Tarneit man after the Air Wing spotted an alleged suspicious vehicle on Hogans Road at about 1.50am on 27 March. The driver was arrested and charged with driving while disqualified and outstanding warrants.
Operation Shows ran overnight on 25 and 26 March and will continue to run sporadically in the area.
The operation commenced in 2022, and over 1,200 people have been arrested for more than 2,000 offences committed across the Wyndham, Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay area.
Police have charged over 300 people with unauthorised driving, impounded over 250 cars and recovered more than 90 stolen cars.
This type of operation and response continues to build intelligence around networked offending and those out conducting criminal activity overnight, particularly in stolen cars.
Anyone with information about car thieves is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Werribee Police, Senior Sergeant Peter West:
"While the community slept, police were patrolling the Wyndham area from the ground and the sky.
"Not only is the success of this operation measured by the number of people we arrested, it also sends a strong message that we may be out at anytime, combining our resources and swiftly arresting anyone committing these offences.
"You won't know when Operation Shows is running, so we'd strongly suggest anyone thinking of stealing cars, evading police or driving dangerously in the area to think again."
