Police have charged three men and seized a cache of identification cards and car keys as part of an investigation into a spate of car thefts and thefts from cars across suburban Melbourne and Melbourne CBD in January.
The men are accused of stealing five cars during the month of January from outside residential houses in Maribyrnong, Wheelers Hill, Oakleigh, Glen Waverley and Melbourne CBD. It is alleged they stole car keys from unlocked houses and vehicles before stealing the cars.
The men are also accused of stealing wallets, identification documents and registration plates from a number of other vehicles during the same period, which were allegedly used in further offending.
Detectives from Monash Crime Investigation Unit, with support from Boroondara Crime Investigation Unit detectives, executed two search warrants in Glen Waverley on Friday 4 February.
During the course of these warrants, police seized in excess of 200 identification documents including driver's licences and credit cards, and 50 car keys.
Police also seized a number of alleged stolen items, as well as implements used for breaking into a house and an imitation firearm.
Three people have been arrested and charged including:
• A 23-year-old Glen Waverley man who was charged with five counts of theft of motor vehicle; 10 counts of theft from motor vehicle; nine counts of handle stolen goods; prohibited person possess an imitation firearm; and several drug offences. He was remanded to face Ringwood Magistrate's Court on 10 March 2022.
• A 26-year-old Edithvale man who was charged with two counts of theft of motor vehicle, and several driving offences. He was bailed to face Moorabbin Magistrate's Court on 13 May 2022.
• A 41-year-old Glen Waverley man who was charged with three counts of handle stolen goods, and possess drug of dependence. He was bailed to face Dandenong Magistrate's Court on 29 June 2022.
Quotes attributed to Detective Sergeant Jack Russell - Monash Crime Investigation Unit:
"Over the course of last week's warrants, police seized an alarming number of allegedly stolen identification documents and car keys, which would have undoubtedly been used to commit further crimes.
"We will continue to proactively target thieves in our community, including patrols of known crime hotspots, shared police intelligence and management of persons of interest - but we need the community to play their part in preventing these crimes.
"We know that thieves typically target homes and cars to steal items that have been left out for the taking, such as wallets and car keys. We urge members of the pubic to always keep these valuables hidden in a safe place.
"Vehicle owners are encouraged to always lock their cars, even if they're leaving it unattended for a few minutes, and use anti-theft screws on their registration plates to deter offenders."
