Five individuals have been apprehended following a dramatic series of ram raids that resulted in the theft of luxury items valued at over $1.2 million in Melbourne’s central business district (CBD). The arrests were made as detectives executed search warrants at various properties and storage units across Cranbourne, Dandenong, and Springvale on Tuesday. During these operations, police recovered an assortment of stolen goods, including high-end designer bags, jewellery, vehicles, and illicit drugs.
The investigations were sparked by a number of brazen thefts at retail establishments in the CBD, occurring on Collins Street on multiple occasions – notably on March 6, March 21, April 8, and April 16. Additional reports indicated thefts on April 6 and another instance on Mt Alexander Road in Essendon on April 16, all contributing to the total valuation of stolen items.
Among those arrested, a 21-year-old man faces serious charges including vehicle theft, burglary, and criminal damage, along with several offences committed while on bail. Another 31-year-old man has been charged with similar crimes including car theft and aggravated burglary. A second man, also aged 31, faces multiple charges including handling stolen goods and committing offences while on bail.
A 30-year-old male has been charged with motor vehicle theft and drug possession, while another 30-year-old from Dandenong has been released pending further summons.
All five individuals were remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court. The police investigation remains active as authorities continue to explore the full extent of these criminal activities.