An alleged syndicate responsible for a series of high-end car thefts across Melbourne has been busted, with police charging four people and recovering more than 20 stolen vehicles.
Among the 21 vehicles seized was a bobcat, a tow truck, a minibus, custom Holden Caprice, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and several trailers and motorcycles.
It's alleged the syndicate has been targeting cars parked in public car parks, on the street and at private businesses across multiple suburbs including Coolaroo, Footscray, Gisborne, Derrimut, Deer Park, Diggers Rest, Port Melbourne, Thomastown and Tullamarine.
Police also seized multiple third-party electronic key reprogramming devices as part of the investigation, which was allegedly the predominant method used by offenders to steal the vehicles.
The first search warrant was executed on Tuesday 3 February at a property in Wildwood where 10 vehicles were uncovered.
Further search warrants were undertaken on Monday 16 February in Melton, Ascot Vale and Sunbury, and on Tuesday 17 February in Craigieburn where police recovered the remaining 11 vehicles and arrested the two alleged ringleaders.
Two men aged 34 and 35-years-old, both from Sunbury, have been charged with more than 60 offences including multiple counts of burglary, theft of and from motor vehicle, handling stolen goods, recklessly expose police to risk by driving and multiple counts of commit indictable offence while on bail.
They have both been remanded to appear at Sunshine Magistrates' Court on 3 March 2026.
Two other men from Wildwood were charged with handling stolen goods, and were bailed to appear at court at a later date.
In addition to the 21 vehicles recovered, police also recovered a range of other items including:
- Two third party electronic key reprogramming devices
- Multiple sets of keys
- Multiple false and stolen registration plates
- Various tools
- Window breaker
- Multiple electronic devices
- More than $3,800 in cash
- Small quantity of drugs believed to be cannabis and methylamphetamine
The investigation has been led by the Hume Crime Investigation Unit, with assistance from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad, Fawkner Divisional Response Unit and Hume Neighbourhood Policing Team.
The use of third-party electronic key reprogramming devices to steal cars is an increasing trend.
To help deter thieves, police are urging car owners to look at a range of preventative measures, including an on-board diagnostic port lock which prevents an offender connecting a reprogramming device to your vehicle.
These locks are highly affordable and self-installable.
Other security tips include parking off the street and always ensuring vehicles are locked, even when at home.
Further information about additional vehicle security measures can be found at https://www.police.vic.gov.au/preventing-motor-vehicle-theft.
Quotes attributable to Hume CIU Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Joe Hartwig:
"Car theft remains one of our biggest priorities.
"Those responsible will continue to be held to account by our relentless investigators.
"We'll also continue to run dedicated operations to help prevent thefts from occurring in the first place.
"With the prevalence of technology making it easier to steal cars, we encourage all car owners to take precautions to help lower the chances of having your car stolen.
