Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad charged five men and seized nine firearms and a significant quantity of ammunition following an aggravated burglary in Grovedale last month.
Investigators have been told two men entered the garage of a property near Torquay Road about 12.10pm on Monday, 21 March, confronting the 62-year-old male occupant whilst allegedly armed with a firearm and a knife.
The men stole eleven firearms from a gun safe, as well as ammunition, cash, identity documents and the victim’s car.
The occupant of the house was not injured.
Police, with the assistance of the Special Operations Group, arrested two men in Oak Park the following day.
A 35-year-old Kurunjang man was charged with a range of offences, including home invasion, false imprisonment, theft, theft of motor vehicle, possess traffickable quantity of firearms, assault, assault with weapon, prohibited person possess firearm, handle stolen goods, possess methylamphetamine and possess prohibited weapon.
A 23-year-old Melton was also charged with a range of offences, including home invasion, false imprisonment, theft, theft of motor vehicle, possess traffickable quantity of firearms, assault, assault with weapon, prohibited person possess firearm, handle stolen goods, possess prohibited weapon and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
The duo was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 29 June.
A 35-year-old Hillside man was arrested in Hillside on Wednesday 23, March and charged with prohibited person possess firearm, possess traffickable quantity of firearms, possess methylamphetamine and possess prohibited weapon. He was subsequently bailed.
He was re-arrested the following Friday morning and further charged with home invasion, aggravated burglary and theft of the firearms.
He was remanded to front Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 29 June.
A 31-year-old Melbourne man was arrested in Melbourne on Thursday 24, March, and charged with possess traffickable quantity of firearms, non-prohibited person possess category A longarm unlicensed, handle stolen goods, possess methylamphetamine, negligently deal with proceeds of crime.
He appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 31 March.
A 32-year-old Ashwood man was arrested in Melbourne on Sunday, 27 March and charged with possess traffickable quantity of firearms, prohibited person possess firearm and handle stolen goods.
He will face Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on 5 July.
Six of the firearms recovered were stolen during the aggravated burglary, while the other three seized appear to be unrelated to the incident. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information about illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link
