Benjamin Millar
Police have arrested three people from the Melton area over a brazen crime spree targeting commercial businesses that caused more than $250,000 in damage.
Police allege offenders broke in to 13 small businesses throughout Melton and the Macedon Ranges between September 5 and 28, stealing or attempting to steal ATMs and safes using cutting equipment.
The group is alleged to have stolen around $70,000 and caused extensive damage in a series of locations.
Police believe they stole an ATM from a general store in Eynesbury and a standalone ATM in Hillside.
The same group allegedly made several other attempts to steal ATMs from businesses at Woodend, Riddells Creek, Romsey and Cobblebank, causing considerable damage to properties.
Businesses in Romsey, Weir Views, Riddells Creek, Lara and Hillside allegedly had nearby broadband cables cut prior to burglaries or attempted burglaries, causing about $250,000 worth of damage to telecommunication lines.
Police raided three properties in Melton and Melton South last Friday, resulting in the arrest of three people.
A 28-year-old Melton South man was charged with multiple offences including 11 counts of burglary, nine counts of theft, 19 counts of criminal damage and commit offence whilst on bail.
He was remanded to face the Geelong Magistrate’s Court on January 11.
A 45-year-old Melton man was charged with multiple offences including 10 counts of burglary, 9 counts of theft, 18 counts of criminal damage, possess steroids and possess cannabis.
He was remanded to face the Geelong Magistrate’s Court on January 11.
A 29-year-old Melton South woman was charged with eight offences including burglary and theft. She was bailed to face court at a later date.
Western Region Crime Squad detective senior sergeant Matthew Kershaw said the offences are serious and concerning offences, with police willing to go to great lengths to catch anyone who threatens the livelihoods of small business owners.
“These burglaries were brazen and low acts, which have not only caused considerable damage to small businesses, but extensive damage to telco company data lines,” he said.
“Small towns may be quiet as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns, but that certainly hasn’t stopped police from keeping a close eye on criminal activity.”
