Police have arrested an alleged serial thief now facing over 70 charges linked to more than 20 burglaries and car thefts across Melbourne.
It's alleged the man has been scouring unlocked homes in Northcote, Newport, Maribyrnong, South Yarra, Princes Hill and Williamstown since November last year, with the aim of stealing car keys and taking off with resident's vehicles.
Similar to the general trend police see with this type of offending, the man allegedly broke into unlocked homes at night, often getting in and out of properties without being noticed by residents who were asleep at the time.
It's alleged he stole over $500,000 worth of items since November last year in addition to nine vehicles.
Detectives from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad arrested the 27-year-old man of no known fixed address last Friday evening in McKay Street, Brunswick West.
The arrest follows a search warrant executed in Footscray on Thursday where a 32-year-old man, who is an alleged associate, was also arrested.
As a result of the investigation, police seized the following items:
• Nine allegedly stolen cars, including a Volvo SUV, Range Rover, Volkswagen, and Mini Cooper.
• Three firearms and ammunition.
• Quantities of drugs including cannabis, cocaine, methyl amphetamine, 1,4 Butanediol, MDMA and Ecstasy.
• Large quantity of stolen identification documents.
• 14 laptops.
• 21 mobile phones.
The 27-year-old man has been charged with 70 offences, including aggravated burglary, burglary, theft of motor vehicle, theft from motor vehicle and handle stolen goods.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 13 May.
The Footscray man was charged with possession of firearms and ammunition, drug related offences and handle stolen goods. He was remanded to appear at court on 27 March.
Anyone with information about criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link.
Quotes attributable to North West Metro Region Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson:
"To take an alleged serial offender off the streets is a strong result and reaffirms Victoria Police's focus on holding offenders accountable to ensure people feel safe in their own homes."
"We will continue to have police out in force every single night to deter and respond to this type of offending, while our specialised detectives will investigate and target repeat offenders."
