Police chase hoons as part of operation against an organised vehicle theft syndicate

Footage shows a dramatic pursuit of drivers in four stolen cars who sped off from a Truganina paddock after noticing the police helicopter circling overhead.

Chopper vision has shown chaotic scenes as the drivers of four stolen cars flee police on a semi-rural property in Melbourne’s west.

The pursuit was part of a police operation against an organised vehicle theft syndicate in which a total of 36 cars have been recovered by Melton CIU detectives.

The helicopter was called in after members of the gang allegedly stole a black Holden Commodore from a cafe at Caroline Springs on March 23.

It was tracked to a property on Greigs Rd in Truganina where police in the chopper spotted four stolen cars in a rear paddock.

Footage taken from the police helicopter of the pursuit. Picture: Victoria Police

The drivers of four stolen cars fled from police. Picture: Victoria Police

The footage shows those vehicles being driven away when the helicopter was noticed.

One of the targets did not make it off the property, its driver being forced to jump into one of the other vehicles after getting bogged.

The other three were found abandoned in the southeastern and eastern suburbs later that day.

Four people, including a man accused of being the syndicate’s ringleader, were arrested at Sunbury last week.

The helicopter was called in after members of the gang allegedly stole a black Holden Commodore. Picture: Victoria Police

One of the targets did not make it off the property. Picture: Victoria Police

Investigators believe they are linked to a property on Plumpton Rd in Diggers Rest where 30 vehicles, including a tow truck and car trailer, were recovered earlier this year.

They had been stolen using hi-tech diagnostic tools from suburbs including Albert Park, Brighton, Caroline Springs, Essendon and Werribee.

Several Holden Commodores, Holden Special Vehicle Maloo valued at $200,000, a Toyota LandCruiser and car carrier trailers were taken.

Police said searches of the vehicles uncovered registration plates stolen from railway stations statewide.

The pursuit was part of a police operation against an organised vehicle theft syndicate. Picture: Victoria Police

Four people, including a man accused of being the syndicate’s ringleader, were arrested at Sunbury last week. Picture: Victoria Police

Gang members are also suspected of stealing “significant quantities of copper”, which they are onselling, police allege.

Diagnostic tools used for car theft, ammunition, methylamphetamine and Suboxone were also seized.

“The alleged ringleader is a 26-year-old from Riddells Creek, and he has been charged with seven counts of theft of motor vehicle, prohibited person possess firearm, three counts of dangerous driving while pursued, three counts of reckless conduct endangering, three counts of handle stolen goods and possession of ammunition,” a Victoria Police statement said.

That man has been remanded in custody to face Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on May 2.

Also arrested were a 43-year-old Diggers Rest woman and a 28-year-old Bacchus Marsh man who have been charged with theft-related offences and drug possession.

A Ballarat man, 29, was interviewed and released pending inquiries.

Police say further arrests are expected.

Detective acting Sgt David Bonnier of Melton CIU said the result was a win for the community with vehicles recovered and a stop brought to the ring’s activities.

“The result also highlights our ongoing commitment to addressing the rise in car thefts which we know are of concern to both police and the community. We are absolutely committed to continue targeting those behind organised vehicle thefts and getting cars back into the hands of their rightful owners,” Sgt Bonnier said.