Nine people arrested, 26 stolen cars recovered thanks to auto number plate scanning tech

Footage shows the moment two suspects were caught climbing a roof in an attempt to outrun police after ditching their allegedly stolen car. Watch the video.

Vision has emerged of the moment a pair of alleged car thieves attempted to outrun officers by scaling a roof as part of an ongoing police sting targeting stolen vehicles.

The two men were among nine arrested and their car among 26 allegedly stolen vehicles recovered during the blitz across the inner northern suburbs.

Operation Boston has scanned almost 120,000 vehicles using automatic number plate recognition technology that has uncovered dozens of stolen vehicles across Merri-bek.

That technology allows officers patrolling the streets to instantly identify whether vehicles are stolen or bearing false plates.

Victoria Police has carried out a stolen vehicle blitz. Picture: Victoria Police

Automatic number plate recognition technology is used to check if vehicles are stolen or bearing false plates. Picture: Victoria Police

Two alleged crooks were observed driving a white BMW SUV erratically through Broadmeadows last week which was found to be bearing false plates.

It was tracked by the police chopper to North Melbourne where the pair ditched the car and were seen climbing a roof to evade officers.

They were arrested nearby and the vehicle was found to have been nicked from Glen Waverley in early January.

Two other accused car thieves allegedly failed to stop for police before the chopper tracked them to a Coles supermarket near Woodlands Park in Essendon.

Two people were seen climbing a roof in North Melbourne to evade officers. Picture: Victoria Police

The two men were arrested nearby. Picture: Victoria Police

They also discarded their allegedly stolen car and ran through the park but were placed in handcuffs shortly after.

Operation Boston has seen nine people arrested, 26 stolen cars recovered and more than 130 false plates seized since August last year.

Victoria Police Merri-bek Local Area Commander Inspector Andrew Markakis said the technology allowed officers to identify stolen cars and unlicensed drivers instantly.

“It’s already assisted in recovering 26 stolen cars, and nearly 130 false number plates,” he said.

“We’ve made several arrests and we have more closely in our sights.

“Unfortunately, we continue to see people fall victim to opportunistic thefts because their cars are left unlocked, or they have valuables in plain sight.

“That’s why we’re urging the community to always ensure vehicles are locked, even if parked in a secure driveway, and valuables are removed.”