Victoria Police announce Operation Roam to harness community support to catch fugitives

AUSTRALIA'S MOST WANTED: MURDERERS, drug traffickers and bikies are among the nation's most wanted and could be living here.

MURDERERS, drug traffickers and outlaw motorcycle gang members are among the nation's most wanted and could be living here in Victoria.

Crime Stoppers have released details about a “select group” of criminals and suspects, and is appealing for help to locate where they are now.

Many of the crimes have been committed interstate but police believe they could be living anywhere.

Operation Roam, announced today (TUES), is aimed at harnessing community support to apprehend the fugitives and bring them to justice.

“Some of these people have committed serious crimes and we need the Australian public to help us locate them, before any further harm is done,”

Peter Price, Deputy Chairman of Crime Stoppers Australia, said.

“Crime Stoppers is asking every member of the public to look out for these people, but not apprehend or approach them,” he added.

Tim Cartwright, Deputy Commissioner of Victoria Police, Operation Roam would make Australia a safer place.

“There is a wealth of untapped community information out there,” he said.

“At the moment we don’t fully know what they, the community, knows”

“We need the eyes and ears of the community, to help make Australia a safer place.”

Appealing directly to the public for help, he added: “ You, the community are your own first line of defence and the best weapon you can use is your phone or computer.

“If you recognise any one of these fugitives, please report them to Crime Stoppers.”

One of the wanted men, Brady Ralph Hamilton, was a member of Sydney’s Western Chapter of the Commanchero motor cycle gang, who allegedly beat his victim to death.

“The majority of the (victim’s) body was covered in bruises and wounds,” Crime Stoppers spokesman Ben Radisich said.

“A later autopsy stated that his death was due to the effects of severe injuries, especially to the head and face.

“Major chest and leg injuries would have contributed to death by virtue of blood loss and impairment of breathing. All but one of the deceased’s right rib’s were fractured,” he added.

The national operation follows the international success of operation INFRA RED.

Police forces in Australia and around the world co-ordinated a global fugitive hunt, labelling it “a great success” thanks to the public’s help.

If you know the whereabouts of any of these suspects and criminals, call Crime Stoppers immediately on 1800 333 000 or go to crimestoppers.com.au