Detectives from Box Hill Divisional Response Unit have charged four foreign nationals from the United Kingdom and seized vehicles and cash following a series of alleged residential burglaries across Melbourne.
Police allege the four men entered Australia earlier this year, committing more than 20 burglaries across Melbourne between April and July.
During the incidents, police allege the group would use cleaning products to cover their tracks.
The group allegedly stole more than $500,000 worth of property including cash, designer jewellery, watches and handbags.
It’s alleged the men targeted homes in Burwood, Craigieburn, Doncaster, Epping, Forest Hill, Hillside, Hoppers Crossing, Mill Park, Mount Waverley, and Tarneit.
While the majority of alleged offences occurred while householders were away, the group also allegedly committed two home invasions and one aggravated burglary.
On Friday 9 August police executed five search warrants at properties across Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
Multiple vehicles valued at more than $190,000 were seized.
It will be alleged they are proceeds of crime.
Property recovered includes:
• A Ford Ranger ute;
• A Kia Carnival;
• A BMW X5 4WD;
• A Mercedes Sedan;
• A Volkswagen Touareg;
• A caravan;
• Around $7000 in cash; and
• A number of designer watches including a Rolex worth more than $120,000.
The four arrested men comprise:
• A 31-year-old man of no fixed address arrested at an apartment in Footscray. He was charged with home invasion and burglary. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 6 November.
• A 32-year-old man of no fixed address arrested at an apartment in Brunswick. He was charged with home invasion and burglary. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 6 November.
• A 33-year-old man of no fixed address arrested at a caravan park in Coburg. He was charged with home invasion and burglary. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 6 November.
• A 32-year-old man of no fixed address arrested at a property in Flemington. He was charged with home invasion and burglary. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court’ on 6 November.
Police also arrested a 32-year-old woman at a caravan park in Coburg. She was charged with theft. She was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 28 October.
Investigators are continuing to probe whether the group are linked to any other unsolved burglaries. The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Daniel Brown:
“This is a clear message to anyone thinking they can break into homes without repercussions.
“We will continue to target serious and organised crime groups, no matter where they’re from.
