Detectives from the Western Region Crime Squad and Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit have arrested nine people as part of an investigation into alleged burglaries and thefts across the west.
Officers seized four firearms, ammunition, three stolen vehicles, drugs and a large amount of stolen property.
Investigators executed warrants at homes in Mount Pisgah Rd, Bald Hills and East St, Dayles-ford late Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Police subsequently arrested five people and seized a loaded handgun, a sawn-off rifle, a longarm rifle, an allegedly stolen Landcruiser, various ammunition, and various amounts of what appear to be methylamphetamine from the addresses.
A 24-year-old Bald Hills man was charged with burglary, theft, theft of firearm, theft of motor vehicle and other offences
A 23-year-old Bald Hills man was charged with burglary, theft, theft of firearm, theft of motor vehicle and other offences.
A 22-year-old Winter Valley woman was charged with theft of motor vehicle, theft and other offences.
A 27-year-old Bald Hills man was charged with prohibited person possess firearm, handle stolen goods and possess drug of dependence.
They were remanded in custody overnight to appear at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court last Thursday.
A 27-year-old Mount Pleasant man and a 22-year-old Bald Hills man were released pending further enquires.
The charges relate burglaries which occurred in Cressy, Inverleigh, Streat-ham, Lake Bolac, Chepstowe, Blow-hard, Bald Hills, Creswick, Clarendon, Soldiers Hill, Niners Rest, Mount Prospect, Cape Clear, Pitfield, Smythes-dale, Daylesford, Ballarat, Wendouree and Meredith between July1-26.
Following the execution of the warrant, detectives were alerted to a collision near the intersection of Victoria and Queen Sts, Ballarat about 11.30pm on Wednesday.
It is alleged three occupants of an allegedly stolen Ford Falcon ran from the scene but were located nearby and subsequently arrested.
Police searched the Ford and located a further firearm and ammunition which were seized.
A 24-year-old Canadian man was charged with burglary, theft, theft of firearm, theft of motor vehicle and other offences.
He was remanded to appear at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
A 17-year-old Ballarat East boy and a 16-year-old Mount Pleasant girl were released pending further enquires.
Anyone with information about illicit firearms is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to submit at confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.
com.au