Police caught up with more than 40 people across two nights in the western suburbs last week, recovering six stolen cars and impounding a further ten as part of Operation Shows.
The operation is run overnight regularly in the area, with police units on the ground and in the sky targeting car thefts and dangerous driving in the western suburbs.
Two motorcycle riders were arrested after the Air Wing spotted them allegedly speeding and running through red lights in Hoppers Crossing about 10.30pm on 5 August.
The motorcyclists allegedly evaded police after an intercept was attempted, and the Air Wing continued to track them speeding and travelling through numerous red lights throughout the western suburbs.
They eventually came to a stop at the intersection of the Princes Freeway and Doherty's Road when police on the ground arrested both riders, two females both aged 17-years-old from the Wyndham area.
They are both expected to be charged with evade police, unlicensed riding, unregistered motor vehicle, conduct endangering persons, drive in a dangerous manner, speeding and disobey red light.
Just one hour later, a Highway Patrol unit attempted to intercept a suspicious driver on the Metropolitan Ring Road near the Boundary Road exit about 11.30pm.
The car then continued travelling for a short distance before crossing onto the wrong side of the road and narrowly missing nearby roadside workers, before taking the Robinsons Road exit and colliding with a light pole and a speed sign on the median strip.
Police followed the car to a nearby industrial area on Calarco Drive where it came to a stop and the driver was arrested after a short foot chase.
The driver, a 44-year-old from Fraser Rise was charged with evade police, dangerous driving when pursued by police, conduct endangering persons, drive in a dangerous manner, fail to stop at scene of a collision, exceed speed limit, disobey red light and outstanding whereabouts.
The next night, a stolen BMW was recovered after it allegedly evaded police in Melton just before midnight on 6 August.
The Air Wing tracked the car to Tarneit, where the male driver got out and attempted to flee.
Units on the ground swooped in and he was swiftly arrested.
The car, allegedly stolen from a house party in the area, was seized along with $1,000 in cash located on the man.
A 35-year-old man from Strathtulloh was charged with theft of motor vehicle, disqualified driving, display false registration plates and possess proceeds of crime.
Operation Shows ran overnight on 5 and 6 august and led to:
- 65 charges laid
- 10 vehicles impounded
- Six stolen cars recovered
- 25 traffic infringement notices issued for unlicensed, suspended or disqualified drivers
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 Senior Sergeant Peter West:
"While the community slept, police were patrolling the western suburbs from the ground and the sky.
"Operation Shows isn't just about the number of thieves we find, it also sends a strong message that we may be out at anytime to catch you.
"We continue to use our specialist resources, combined with our local officer's knowledge, to target those thinking of stealing cars, evading police or driving dangerously."
