Burglaries in Northcote, Newport, Maribyrnong, South Yarra, Princes Hill, Williamstown investigated

Millions of dollars in stolen items have been seized and two men arrested after an investigation into a series of burglaries in Melbourne’s west.

A man has been charged with 70 offences following a raft of burglaries and car thefts across Melbourne.

A serial thief with a penchant for stealing cars has robbed innocent Melburnians of more than half a million dollars of items, police allege.

The burglar has allegedly been scouring unlocked homes in suburbs including Northcote, Newport, Maribyrnong, South Yarra, Princes Hill and Williamstown over the past four months, aiming to steal car keys before taking off with resident’s vehicles.

This week a man was charged with 70 offences including aggravated burglary, burglary, theft of motor vehicle, theft from motor vehicle and handle stolen goods.

The 27-year-old, of no known fixed address, has been linked to more than 20 burglaries and car thefts across Melbourne, the force alleges.

Detectives from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad allege he stole more than $500,000 worth of items since November last year, as well as nine vehicles.

It is understood the man allegedly broke into unlocked homes at night, often getting in and out of properties without being noticed by homeowners who were oblivious, often asleep at the time.

The man was arrested on March 17 at a home in McKay St, Brunswick West.

His arrest came after police executed a search warrant in Footscray the day before, where an alleged associate was also arrested.

The investigation led to the seizure of nine cars including a Volvo SUV, Range Rover, Volkswagen, and Mini Cooper; three guns and ammunition; drugs, including cannabis, cocaine, methyl amphetamine, 1,4 Butanediol, MDMA and Ecstasy; a large quantity of stolen identification documents; 21 mobile phones and 14 laptops.

Detective Inspector Patrick Watkinson said it was a significant police investigation.

“To take an alleged serial offender off the streets is a strong result and reaffirms Victoria Police’s focus on holding offenders accountable to ensure people feel safe in their own home,” Insp Watkinson said.

“We will continue to have police out in force every single night to deter and respond to this type of offending, while our specialised detectives will investigate and target repeat offenders

The 27-year-old man has been remanded in custody and is expected to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on May 13.

His alleged accomplice, a 32-year-old Footscray man, was charged with possession of firearms and ammunition, drug related offences and handle stolen goods.