Police have charged six men over the theft of more than $320,000 worth of alcohol from stores across Melbourne.
It will be alleged the men were working as part of a syndicate where some would steal from stores while others waited in a vehicle outside.
Stolen liquor was allegedly sold for profit.
Police were on Wednesday 20 November about 7pm called to a Thomastown liquor store on Mahoneys Road after being alerted by staff.
A 26-year-old man from Truganina was arrested and charged with 68 offences including the theft of $76,000 worth of alcohol. He is due to appear in Moorabbin Magistrates' Court on 4 February 2025.
Concurrently, a vehicle of interest in relation to ongoing thefts was intercepted Mulgrave.
A 30-year-old man behind the wheel allegedly tested positive roadside to methylamphetamine.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 40 bottles of alcohol as well as two shopping baskets from a liquor store.
Police will allege the driver, from Truganina, is one of the leaders of the syndicate.
He will be charged on summons with 23 offences including the theft of more than $18,000 worth of alcohol.
His passengers were also arrested. They comprised:
• A 39-year-old man from Wollert - who is also an alleged leader and recruiter of the syndicate - will be charged with 22 offences, including the theft of more than $95,000 worth of alcohol. He has been remanded to appear in Heidelberg Magistrates' Court on 4 December, 2024.
• A 30-year-old man from North Melbourne will be charged with 30 offences, including the theft of more than $42,000 worth of alcohol. He is due to appear in Sunshine Magistrates' Court on 27 February 2025.
• A 29-year-old man from Truganina will be charged with 17 offences, including the theft of almost $40,000 worth of alcohol. He was bailed to appear in Sunshine Magistrates' Court on 24 February 2025.
It will be alleged the 40 bottles of alcohol found in the vehicle had been stolen from liquor stores in Doveton and Rowville.
Another member of the alleged syndicate - a 23-year-old man from Craigieburn - was arrested on Friday 22 November and charged with 36 offences including the theft of $57,000 worth of alcohol.
He was bailed to appear in Sunshine Magistrates' Court on 27 February 2025.
