Offenders arrested in Melbourne car theft operation

Almost 20 people have been arrested and four stolen vehicles recovered after Victoria Police wrapped up a nightly operation in Melbourne’s west. Operation Vista ran from August 5 to 8 and targeted the Wyndham City area in Melbourne’s south-west, with members from the Westgate Divisional Response Unit out in force, scanning vehicles and detecting stolen cars, while also arresting individuals wanted on outstanding warrants. Among those arrested were four 16-year-old boys, who allegedly fled from a stolen BMW – which police had been searching for – after driving down the wrong side of the road and crashing into a police car in Truganina. Two of the boys allegedly fled the crash and hid on the roof of a nearby property, though they were soon arrested after being spotted by the police Air Wing. A man was arrested on the same night after police observed a motorbike allegedly wearing stolen number plates in Tarneit. Officers followed the bike to an address in Hoppers Crossing, where a 35-year-old man was arrested and later charged with theft of a motor vehicle and ‘fraudulently use registration label’. Two nights later, another man was arrested after police discovered an allegedly stolen Toyota parked outside a hotel in Werribee. A 30-year-old man was arrested inside the hotel and later charged with theft of motor vehicle, possessing a controlled weapon in licensed premises, and handling stolen goods. A 41-year-old woman was also arrested but released pending further enquiries. Throughout the operation, officers checked more than 250 vehicles and executed 12 outstanding warrants. A further 10 people were arrested during the operation for a range of offences including deception, possessing drugs, and affray. Westgate Divisional Response Unit Detective Acting Sergeant Thomas Scott said police were “heavily focused” on vehicle theft in the Wyndham area. “Unfortunately, some people fall victim to these opportunistic crimes because their cars are left unlocked, so we’d like to remind the community to always ensure your vehicle is locked, even if it is parked in a secure driveway,” he said. “The message is clear – if you’re travelling around in a stolen vehicle in Wyndham you can expect to be caught.” MORE: Police offer simple solution to car break-in crisis – lock your doors