David Hurley
16th January 2017
Herald Sun
POLICE have smashed a gang which allegedly stole thousands of dollars worth of cigarettes in a series of commercial burglaries of service stations, supermarkets and liquor stores across Melbourne.
A 32-year-old Preston man and a 32-year-old Epping man were arrested yesterday morning in Mendip Rd, Reservoir.
They later appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court charged with aggravated burglary, burglary, theft, theft of motor vehicle, criminal damage by fire and handling stolen goods.
They were remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrate’s Court.
Two other men were also arrested at a milk bar in Mendip Rd and interviewed in relation to a large quantity of cigarettes seized at the store.
A 62-year-old man and a 53-year-old man, both from Reservoir, were charged with handling stolen goods.
The arrests by the Eastern Region Crime Squad follow a series of commercial burglaries at businesses dating back to November last year.
The burglaries took place in Mount Martha, Kew, Surrey Hills, Mitcham and Maribyrnong.
Two cars were also allegedly stolen by the men from Preston and Epping.
Investigators are also looking into a number of other burglary and theft of motor vehicle offences dating back to October 21 last year, which they believe may be linked.
Detective Senior Sergeant Matt Baynes said: “Police will continue to identify, target, arrest and charge those people who engage in this type of offending, especially those who are recidivist offenders.
“The same goes for those people who are willing to receive and sell stolen property, increasing the impact of these crimes on the community.
“The offending we’re seeing is not limited to just one part of Melbourne and investigators are also keen to speak to anyone who has knowledge of these types of offences taking place in their local area.
The Reservoir men were bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on May 4.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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