Melton trio arrested after ‘brazen’ regional ATM thefts

Three Melton alleged thieves have been arrested over a string of expensive ATM burglaries on small town businesses in Victoria’s west.

Three Melton residents have been arrested after a series of brazen burglaries and thefts of ATM’s in Victoria’s west, including in Eynesbury, Riddells Creek and Lara.

The trio were arrested on October 1 at their Melton homes following an investigation by detectives from the Western Region Crime Squad.

Police say 13 small businesses were hit by the group between September 5 and 28, making off with an estimated $70,000.

Detective Senior Sergeant Matthew Kershaw said the burglaries were “serious and concerning”, threatening the livelihood of small business owners in regional towns.

“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.

It’s understood the trio used cutting equipment to steal two ATMs from a general store in Eynesbury and a Hillside street and attempted to steal others from businesses at Woodend, Riddells Creek, Romsey and Cobblebank.

Set-Sen. Sgt Kershow said “considerable damage” had been done to businesses, including about $250,000 to broadband and telecommunication lines.

“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,” he said.

A 28-year-old man, a 29-year-old woman and a 45-year-old man have been charged with numerous offences over the burglaries.

The two men have been remanded into police custody until their next court date on January 11 while the woman was given bail.