Yarra Crime Investigation Unit detectives charged two men after they allegedly stole multiple items, including $5000 worth of Driza-Bone jackets, from an apartment car park in Richmond yesterday morning.
The victim went into the carpark on Elaine Court when he noticed two men allegedly trying to break into his vehicle about 4.30am.
He started filming the offenders with his mobile phone, before they allegedly snatched it from him and fled in a Toyota Corolla.
Police arrived on scene and were approached by further victims who alleged other vehicles and storage cages had also been broken into.
Detectives immediately began tracking the victim's phone, which led them to an apartment building on Elizabeth Street in Richmond where they subsequently found the two offenders.
During the arrest, officers located two allegedly stolen vehicles, various power tools and around $5000 worth of Driza-Bone jackets.
The men were taken into custody where they were interviewed.
A 26-year-old Richmond man was charged with robbery, burglary, theft of motor vehicle and possess proceeds of crime.
He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court today (23 October).
A 25-year-old Richmond man was charged with robbery, burglary, theft of motor vehicle and possess proceeds of crime.
He was bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 3 December.
Quote attributable to Detective Inspector Martin McLean from North West Metro Investigation & Response:
"Police wasted no time attending and actioning the complaints of these victims.
When members of the public take swift action in reporting crime, police are in the best position to catch them which is evident here.
This subsequently stops offenders in their tracks from committing more crime."
