A week-long police crackdown following a spike in car thefts in the Hume area has led to 26 arrests and the recovery of eight stolen vehicles across Broadmeadows and Craigieburn,
The operation, which ran from March 30 to April 5, was supported by general duties police, the Air Wing and Dog Squad, targeting offenders committing burglaries to steal cars.
Police say Hume recorded the third- highest number of car thefts in Victoria last year with unlocked vehicles and open windows commonly exploited.
The blitz resulted in over 80 charges, including aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicles, dangerous driving and drug trafficking.
A number of high-speed pursuits and police intercepts across Greenvale, Meadow Heights, Westmeadows and Campbellfield led to arrests, including offenders with outstanding warrants.
One dramatic arrest involved a stolen Subaru reaching 170km/h on Mickleham Road before being stopped with tyre deflation devices in Craigieburn.
Broadmeadows Acting Senior Sergeant Denis Busic said car theft remains a priority for his officers.
“We will continue running targeted operations and using specialist resources to crack down on this offending.”
Police urge residents to lock cars and homes, and report any suspicious behaviour to crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
