Three people have been arrested after jewellery was allegedly stolen from several homes getting painted across the Moira Shire with some then onsold to a local jeweller.
It's believed two tradespeople were contracted to complete works on multiple houses between January 2025 and June this year but instead of finishing the work, they are accused of stealing goods including a large array of jewellery.
It's alleged some of the jewellery was then pawned at a local jewellery store.
Following enquiries, officers from the Cobram Crime Investigation Unit executed search warrants at a home on Zorro Drive and a business on Belmore Street in Yarrawonga on Thursday 4 June.
Three people - two men and a woman - were arrested, and several pieces of jewellery were seized.
A 35-year-old man was charged with three counts of burglary and three counts of thefts. He was bailed to appear in Cobram Magistrates' Court on 15 December.
The 27-year-old woman was interviewed and released pending summons.
A 68-year-old man is expected to be charged on summons with operating without a second-hand dealer's licence.
Police will allege in court that the trio stole from four homes, however, it is believed they were contracted to work on several dozen more.
As enquiries continue, police are wanting to reunite the pieces of jewellery with their rightful owners.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim of a similar crime, or has any further information that may assist investigators, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au. Alternatively, they can call Cobram Investigators on 5871 2866.
