MELBOURNE: 5 arrested after store ram-raids
Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested five people following a series of ram raids at luxury stores in Melbourne’s CBD.
Detectives executed multiple search warrants at six properties and storage units in Cranbourne, Dandenong and Springvale on tuesday (Apr. 22).
Investigators located and seized a number of luxury handbags, stolen vehicles, drugs and assorted jewellery.
The warrants follow multiple ram raids at stores across Melbourne, including:
• a store on Collins St on March 6
• a store on Collins S on March 21
• a store on Bourke St on April 6
• a store on Collins St on April 8
• a store in Collins St on April 16
• a store on Mt Alexander Rd, Essendon, on April 16.
It is alleged luxury items worth a total of approximately $1.2 million were stolen during the ram raids.
A 21-year-old man from Springvale has been charged with theft of motor vehicle, burglary, attempted burglary, theft, handle stolen goods, theft from motor car, criminal damage and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
A 31-year-old man from Cranbourne has been charged with theft from motor vehicle, burglary, theft, possess trafficable quantity of drug, possess drug of dependence, commit indictable offence whilst on bail and deal with proceeds of crime.
A second 31-year-old man from Cranbourne has been charged with theft from motor vehicle, burglary, aggravated burglary, attempted burglary, theft, commit indictable offence whilst on bail, handle stolen goods and unlicensed driving.
They were remanded and were scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Apr. 23).
A 30-year-old man from Springvale has been charged with theft of motor vehicle, possess drug of dependence and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
He was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on August 5.
A 30-year-old man from Dandenong was released pending summons.
The investigation remains ongoing.