Victoria Police in Melbourne, Australia say 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.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police in Australia confirmed with IrishCentral on Thursday, August 15 that while the foreign nationals were traveling with UK passports, they were indeed Irish nationals.
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.
9 News in Australia shared CCTV which shows the group checking into a Coburg caravan park once they entered the country:
Victoria Police say the group allegedly stole more than $500,000 worth of property including cash, designer jewelry, 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, August 9, 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
A 31-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested at an apartment in Footscray. He was charged with home invasion and burglary. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 6.
A 32-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested at an apartment in Brunswick. He was charged with home invasion and burglary. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 6.
A 33-year-old man of no fixed address was 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 was arrested at a property in Flemington. He was charged with home invasion and burglary. He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on November 6.
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 October 28.
Detective Senior Sergeant Daniel Brown said: “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."
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 CrimeStoppersVic.com.au.
The arrests that were announced by Victoria Police on Thursday come after a similar round of arrests that took place earlier in May.
On May 2, Victoria Police announced that they had arrested a foreign crime syndicate following over 60 alleged burglaries across Melbourne.
Police allege the three Irish nationals, who had entered Australia within the previous six months, allegedly stole more than $1 million of property, including cash, jewelry, and designer handbags.
The trio was allegedly responsible for over 60 home burglaries across Blackburn, Doncaster, Narre Warren, Hampton Park, and Templestowe since January.
Detectives arrested the men at a hotel near Melbourne Airport on May 2 and charged them with numerous counts of aggravated home invasion, aggravated burglary, burglary, and theft from motor vehicle.
Three further Irish nationals, who police will allege are part of the same syndicate, were arrested on March 18 in connection to home burglaries in Sunshine and Mill Park between January and March this year.
Investigators recovered more than $380,000 in cash and designer jewelry which was allegedly stolen from these two properties.
Investigators said at the time that they were continuing to probe whether both groups are linked to any other unsolved burglaries.
Police allege the three Irish nationals, who entered Australia in the last six months, allegedly stole more than $1 million of property, including cash, jewellery and designer handbags. pic.twitter.com/mQm2zpeIRz
— Victoria Police (@VictoriaPolice) May 2, 2024
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