International Burglary Ring Busted: Four UK Nationals Charged and Millions in Stolen Goods Seized
Four men from the United Kingdom have been charged by detectives from the Box Hill Divisional Response Unit for their alleged involvement in a series of residential burglaries across Melbourne. The suspects were arrested and multiple vehicles and cash were seized during a police operation on Friday, August 9.
According to police, the four men entered Australia earlier this year and are believed to have committed over 20 burglaries between April and July. During these incidents, the group allegedly used cleaning products to cover their tracks. The stolen property, which includes cash, designer jewellery, watches, and handbags, is estimated to be worth more than $500,000.
The targeted areas for these burglaries were Burwood, Craigieburn, Doncaster, Epping, Forest Hill, Hillside, Hoppers Crossing, Mill Park, Mount Waverley, and Tarneit. While most of the offences occurred when homeowners were away, the group also allegedly committed two home invasions and one aggravated burglary.
As part of the investigation, police executed five search warrants in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, resulting in the seizure of multiple vehicles valued at over $190,000. The recovered property includes a Ford Ranger ute, a Kia Carnival, a BMW X5 4WD, a Mercedes Sedan, a Volkswagen Touareg, a caravan, and various designer watches, including a Rolex worth more than $120,000.
The four arrested men, aged 31, 32, 33, and 32, were charged with home invasion and burglary. They were remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 6. Additionally, a 32-year-old woman was also arrested and charged with theft. She was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 28.
Detective Senior Sergeant Daniel Brown of the Box Hill Divisional Response Unit stated, “This is a clear message to anyone thinking they can break into homes without repercussions. We will continue to target serious and organised crime groups, no matter where they’re from.”
The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au. They are also looking into whether the group may be linked to any other unsolved burglaries.
