North West Metro Region detectives have arrested and charged a man in relation to the handling of stolen goods allegedly linked to youth offending.
Wayward Taskforce, with assistance from Echo Taskforce, executed warrants at commercial and residential premises in the CBD on Thursday (7 November).
More than 170 phones were seized from the premises. While detectives are still examining the items, so far more than 20 have been identified as stolen.
A 39-year-old Melbourne man has been arrested and charged with handle stolen goods.
He has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 24 February 2020.
The charges follow an investigation into the alleged handling of stolen electronic goods linked to youth offending.
Wayward Taskforce is investigating a series of robberies and armed robberies that occurred in the north-western suburbs late last month.
A 21-year-old Traralgon man has been charged with robbery and armed robbery offences. He has been remanded to appear at court at a later date.
The investigation is ongoing with further arrests expected.
North West Metro Region Acting Commander Therese Fitzgerald said Thursday's arrest marked the next stage in Victoria Police's enforcement activity around group retail thefts and robberies.
"Victoria Police is treating this issue very seriously. We are running a number of investigations into where stolen goods are going, why they're being stolen and any organised crime links," A/Cmdr Fitzgerald said.
"Anyone committing these robberies, handling stolen goods or commissioning offences be warned; police will find you, we will hold you to account and we will ensure you do not continue to inflict harm on the community."
Police ask that anyone buying second-hand electronic goods does appropriate research before making a purchase to ensure they're not buying stolen goods.
"Where possible purchase goods through a legitimate, authorised dealer and request proof of ownership from the seller before you purchase the item," A/Cmdr Fitzgerald said.
Last week's action follows the success of Operation Burns, which ran between July and September, targeting some of the most prolific offenders of group retail thefts and robberies.
Detectives charged 34 offenders aged between 13 and 19-years-old with more than 150 offences including robbery and shop steal as part of that operation.
The investigations form part of Operation Liege, a state-wide investigative and enforcement capability established in July to disrupt high-harm, high-impact youth offending.
