Luxury cars uncovered in elaborate crime syndicate
A botched attempt to steal a Maserati has led police to a collection of cars that were part of an alleged rebirthing ring in Melbourne’s west.
Police & Courts
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A bungled attempt to steal a Maserati sports car from a Docklands apartment tower has led to police busting a vehicle rebirthing ring in Melbourne’s west.
Police had been investigating since November 28 when thieves tried to snatch the $85,000 Maserati from the car park of a Collins St high-rise.
A tow truck was driven on to the property about 3am but those aboard were disturbed by security.
They drove away leaving the Maserati and the apartment complex badly damaged.
The tow truck was later found in Millers Rd, Altona, and the incident remains under investigation.
On Tuesday, vehicle crime squad investigators raided a home in Braeside Walk, Caroline Springs, which was allegedly being used to run an unlicensed second-hand dealership.
They seized three cars, a Ford XR8 ute, an allegedly stolen BMW 750i and an allegedly rebirthed Mitsubishi Evolution.
Police believe those vehicles were to be rebirthed and uncovered cloned and false registration plates at the property.
Detectives also seized drugs, including methylamphetamines and GHB.
A 43-year-old Caroline Springs man has been charged with burglary, theft of motor vehicle, theft, criminal damage, trafficking and possessing drug of dependence, possessing GHB, handling stolen goods, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, car rebirthing, driving offences and committing an indictable offence while on bail.
He has been remanded to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 28, 2022.
A Caroline Springs man, 29, was charged with burglary, theft of motor vehicle, theft, criminal damage and car rebirthing offences.
He has been bailed and will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 1, 2022.
Detective Sergeant Scott Williams of the vehicle crime squad said there were issues beyond victims who needed their cars being left without wheels.
“Re-birthed vehicles are a major safety threat to the unwitting buyers and the fact we had a syndicate operating unlicensed is of immense concern,” he said.
“Profit motivated vehicle theft remains a significant issue for police in Victoria and we encourage anyone with information about the theft, rebirthing and subsequent sale of vehicles to contact police.”
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