Detectives from the Vehicle Crime Squad (VCS) have charged two men and recovered eleven stolen Honda motorbikes following the theft of 52 bikes from a shipping container in New South Wales.
The VCS investigation launched in late August when investigators received a request for assistance from NSW Police Strike Force Goodhall.
NSW police were investigating after a shipping container containing 52 Honda CRF250F motorcycles was taken to a holding yard in Strathfield South on Tuesday 19 July.
When checked on Friday 22 July, it was discovered the bikes had been stolen.
The estimated value of the theft is more than $680,000.
VCS began investigating reports several bikes had been transported to Victoria.
Following several enquiries detectives, with assistance from VIPER taskforce, executed a search warrant at an address in Williams Landing and arrested a 21-year-old man on Tuesday 30 August.
A search of the property located two allegedly stolen motorbikes.
The Williams Landing man was charged with two counts of handle stolen goods.
He was bailed to appear before Werribee Magistrates' Court on 2 February 2023.
Two days later, detectives executed further search warrants with VIPER Taskforce in Tarneit and Williamstown North and arrested a 27-year-old man.
At Williamstown North detectives located and seized nine allegedly stolen motorbikes.
The Tarneit man has been charged with nine counts of handle stolen goods and possess a drug of dependence.
He was bailed to appear at Werribee Magistrates' Court on 24 November.
Detectives believe there may be several outstanding motorbikes in Victoria and are appealing for anyone who might have seen a Honda CRF250F motorcycle advertised online to come forward.
They've also released an image of a similar bike in the hope someone might recognise it.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant John Dimos, Vehicle Crime Squad:
"We've worked closely with our New South Wales colleagues to return a number of bikes to the rightful owners.
"However, there are still more stolen bikes out there that the community might be able to assist us in locating.
"If you see a brand new bike being advertised online for an unusually low price, or if a seller profile looks suspicious, please screenshot it and come forward to police.
"We hope this sends a message that it doesn't matter where you take stolen goods, police will work together and catch up with you."
