Ballarat detectives have arrested twenty-five people since late December as part of an investigation into a series of alleged crimes in the region, including aggravated burglaries, theft of motor cars, and the subsequent arson of these vehicles.
Detectives from Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit, Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit, Divisional Response Unit, Family Violence Unit, Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team and local police have worked together as part of the operation, which commenced on 27 December 2019.
These incidents are alleged to have occurred during November and December 2019 and January this year.
Ballarat Crime Inspector Greg Payne said the people arrested were alleged to have committed high-harm offences which caused significant damage to victims and the community.
"Crimes such as aggravated burglaries can have a major effect on the victims and a substantial impact on the broader community's perceptions of safety," Inspector Payne said.
"Our message to those committing these offences is clear - police will find you, we will hold you to account and we will ensure you do not continue to inflict harm on the local community."
Detectives searched over fifty addresses in the Ballarat and surrounding areas as part of this investigation, resulting in the arrest of twenty-five people who have been charged, including seven who remain in custody:
• A 26-year-old Delacombe male who has been charged with aggravated burglary, theft of motor car, arson, carjacking, theft and associated offences. He has been remanded in custody.
• A 29-year-old Creswick male who has been charged with aggravated burglary, theft of motor car, arson, theft and associated offences. He has been remanded in custody.
• A 24-year-old Ballarat male who has been charged with aggravated burglary, theft of motor car, theft and associated offences. He has been remanded in custody.
• A 27 year-old Ballarat male who has been charged with theft of motor car, theft and associated offences. He has been remanded in custody.
• A 37-year-old Ballarat male who has been charged with aggravated burglary, theft and associated offences. He has been remanded in custody.
• A 16-year-old Wendouree male who has been charged with aggravated burglary, theft of motor car, theft and associated offences. He has been remanded in custody.
• A 45-year-old Wyndham Vale male who has been charged with theft of copper wiring and tools. He has been remanded in custody.
A further 18 people have been charged and bailed to appear at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court for a variety of offences including burglary, theft of motor car, and theft from motor cars.
"Officers right across the Ballarat region are committed to keeping the community safe by holding offenders to account and preventing crime," Inspector Payne said.
"It is essential that the local community understands that the best method of preventing crimes such as theft and motor car theft is by ensuring they follow basic security procedures for their homes, cars and safe storage of property. It is also important if you see something - say something"
