Hoppers Crossing: Trio arrested after alleged break-in, chase

Three desperate burglars allegedly threw a safe from a getaway car as police closed in during a dramatic incident in Melbourne’s west.

An alleged burglary in Melbourne’s west has been foiled by quick-responding police who nabbed three men while they were attempting to change cars.

Police were alerted by a security alarm at a telecommunications store on Old Geelong Rd in Hoppers Crossing at 12.40am on Thursday, arriving at the store to see a damaged red SUV allegedly leaving the scene.

The car was allegedly followed by a police helicopter travelling at a “fast rate of speed” through Melbourne and into the southeastern suburbs.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said a safe was allegedly thrown from the rear of the vehicle on Westall Rd as officers attempted to intercept the car.

“The trio dumped the car in Gayle Court, Clayton South before they drove off in a second car,” she said.

The alleged chase continued, with three men arrested “without incident” when they allegedly tried to enter a third car on Branton Drive in Hampton Park.

The spokeswoman said the trio, a 28-year-old from Carrum Downs, a 32-year-old from Bundoora and a 33-year-old from Skye, are assisting police with their enquiries.

The safe, allegedly stolen during the break-in, was recovered and police believe a second safe was removed from the premises but was left at the scene.