Ballarat pair charged over alleged month-long crime spree

Two people have been charged with more than 80 offences each following a series of alleged burglaries and car thefts across Victoria and regional NSW. Read more for details.

A Ballarat man and woman are facing more than 160 charges following an alleged month-long crime spree across Victoria and regional NSW.

The duo allegedly committed 65 aggravated burglaries and car thefts, stealing two firearms, ten cars, and around $75,000 worth of jewellery.

The alleged offending is said to have taken place in multiple locations, including Ballarat, Benalla, Bendigo, Berrigan, Colac, Cobram, Moama, Tocumwal, and Warrnambool, as well as Geelong and Melbourne.

Police arrested a 29-year-old Ballarat East woman and a 24-year-old Alfredton man, allegedly in a stolen ute, at a Maribyrnong shopping centre on Wednesday.

During the operation, officers seized allegedly stolen items, including ten vehicles valued at roughly $350,000, a shotgun, and jewellery worth about $20,000.

The pair have been charged with over 80 offences each, including possession of a trafficable amount of firearms, aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle, and theft from motor vehicle.

Western Region Crime Squad Detective Senior Sergeant Matthew Kershaw said it was “particularly concerning to police when firearms end up in the hands of thieves”.

The pair were remanded to appear at Ballarat Magistrates Court in June.