International crims believed to be targeting ‘high-end’ Melbourne homes
POLICE are closing in on a gang of cunning thieves who have spent months targeting luxury homes across Melbourne.
Inner South
Don't miss out on the headlines from Inner South . Followed categories will be added to My News.
POLICE believe a “skilled and sophisticated” burglary crew knocking over high-end homes could be a professional unit flown in from overseas.
They broke into a Seacombe Grove house on Brighton’s ‘Golden Mile’ between August 22 and September 1, when the occupants were on holiday.
The Leader revealed last week that detectives were in a game of cat and mouse with the crooks, who case homes before ransacking them.
BOGUS TAX OFFICERS TARGETING SOUTHERN SUBURBS
THUGS THREATEN MAN WITH BROKEN BOTTLE
TEEN POSED AS FIREY DURING 'SOPHISTICATED' CRIME SPREE
Police say the heist specialists disable alarm systems, remove CCTV footage and move in and out of properties stealthily.
They say the crew has hit several Melbourne homes in a spree lasting “three or four months”.
Bayside detective Sergeant Andrew Collison said his unit was now liaising with investigators from Stonnington and Boroondara to catch the crew.
“These guys are bit of a concern to us because they’re not like most criminals — these guys are smart, they know what they’re doing,” he said.
“We’re looking at all avenues but one theory we’re looking at is that these guys have flown in from overseas.”
Detective Sgt Collison is hoping a fingerprint found at the crew’s most recent job could provide a break in the case.
As in other burglaries, the crooks disabled the alarm system and CCTV before stealing a large amount of cash and jewellery.
They also managed to break open a safe hidden in a cupboard.
The same gang is thought to be behind a raid on a Dawson St, Brighton home about 8.30pm on August 28.
While they disabled the target home’s CCTV, they were recorded by a nearby camera.
Anyone with information or relevant CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
MORE NEWS
Crooks ran sophisticated drug trafficking operation in Melbourne
Two crooks, including one dubbed “Superfly” in drug circles, trafficked ice and heroin from a “safe house” in St Kilda that was protected by explosive devices that could be remotely detonated.
Teens charged after allegedly threatening group with machetes in Brighton
Four teenagers have been arrested after they allegedly brandished machetes and threatened a rival group on the streets of Brighton.