Hume Crime Investigation Unit detectives charged six men following more than 30 alleged burglaries across Melbourne’s north-east.
Operation Stooked, a two-month investigation, following a series of alleged commercial cigarette burglaries and residential burglaries in the Hume, Whittlesea, Brimbank and Manningham areas.
Detectives executed a number of warrants at residences in Roxburgh Park, Meadow Heights and Oak Park and arrested five men on 31 March.
Four stolen cars and two firearms were also seized.
An 18-year-old Roxburgh Park man was charged with more than 70 offences including 12 counts of commercial burglaries, more than 30 residential burglaries and aggravated burglaries.
A 19-year-old Meadow Heights man was charged with more than 60 offences including more than 30 residential burglaries, aggravated home invasion and commercial burglaries.
Both were remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 8 July.
An 18-year-old Oak Park man was charged with more than 60 offences including more than 30 residential burglaries, aggravated home invasion and commercial burglaries.
A 20-year-old Roxburgh Park man was charged with two counts of possess firearms, theft of motor vehicle, two counts of commercial burglaries and three counts of theft of caravans.
A 19-year-old Meadow Heights man was charged with two counts of commercial burglaries and theft of motor vehicle.
All three were bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 8 July.
Police later arrested a 17-year-old Roxburgh Park teenager on 2 April and have since charged him with 40 counts of residential burglaries.
He will appear at a children’s court at a later date.
