By Laura Michell
Twenty-five allegedly stolen vehicles have been recovered and 43 people charged following a four-month operation targeting alleged illegal activities at second-hand car dealers, auto wrecking exporters and scrap metal businesses.
Victoria police said eight second-hand auto dealers were also shut down during Operation Neptune.
In a statement, police said the operation was split over two phases and carried out in partnership with Hume council, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), Vehicle Examination Unit and Victoria Police Highway Patrol and general duties units.
Phase one ran from February 8-10 in Campbellfield, Sunshine and Dandenong.
Twelve auto-wrecking and scrap businesses were inspected, over 300 motor vehicles were checked, inspected or intercepted and 25 motor vehicles – worth in excess of $1.85 million – were seized and towed away, in breach of local laws, police said.
Four people were arrested including a 20-year-old Broadmeadows man who was charged with armed robbery, assault, criminal damage and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
He was remanded in custody and faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on February 15.
A 44-year-old Westmeadows man was charged with operating as an unregistered second-hand dealer and fined $1817. His auto wrecking business was the subject of a closure notice.
A further six people were issued with penalty infringement notices.
Phase two of the operation was conducted on February 23-24, in Campbellfield, Dallas and Epping.
Six auto-wrecking and scrap businesses were inspected, more than 200 motor vehicles were checked, inspected or intercepted and four stolen trailers, a Hummer, a stolen Toyota Hilux and five stolen registration plates were seized during phase two, according to police.
Search warrants were executed at two businesses in Willandra Drive, Epping, and Fordson Road, Campbellfield, and a residential address in Geach Street, Dallas, police said.
A 34-year-old man from Dallas was charged with a number of offences including handling stolen goods and possessing proceeds of crime. He was bailed and will face Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on May 6. His business in Epping was the subject of a closure notice.
A 38-year-old man from Lalor was charged with operating as an unregistered second-hand dealer and fined $1817. His business in Campbellfield was the subject of a closure notice.
A 33-year-old man Fawkner man was charged with a range of offences, including handle stolen goods, possess proceeds of crime and paying cash for scrap metal. His motor vehicle exporting business in Campbellfield was also the subject of a closure notice. He was bailed to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on August 8.
Vehicle Crime Squad Detective Sergeant Scott Williams said there were a number of businesses currently on the squad’s rader.
If you are acting illegally or profiting from illegal motor vehicles, parts or scrap metal, you can expect a visit from us,” he said
