Seven people have been arrested and over $50,000 worth of items stolen from the Melton area, including cars, trailers and tools, were returned to their owners over the last two months.
In late August, police executed two search warrants in Harkness as part of an investigation into burglaries and thefts in the western suburbs.
Police said $50,000 in allegedly stolen items were seized as part of the search.
In early September, police arrested a man and his passenger in a vehicle in Melton.
Another three search warrants were executed on September 29 in Ararat.
Police said a 27-year-old Harkness man, a 19-year-old Melton South woman, a 28-year-old Melton South man, a 32-year-old Ararat man and a 55-year-old man were arrested and charged as part of the investigation.
Police said a 26-year-old Brookfield woman is expected to be charged on summons in relation to handing stolen goods, while a 24-year-old Ararat man was released pending further inquiries.
