Police have charged six men, including a Craigieburn local, over the theft of more than $320,000 worth of alcohol from stores across Melbourne.
It will be alleged the men were working as part of a syndicate where some would steal from stores while others waited in a vehicle outside.
The stolen liquor was allegedly sold for profit.
One of the members of the alleged syndicate – a 23-year-old man from Craigieburn – was arrested on Friday, November 22 and charged with 36 offences including the theft of $57,000 worth of alcohol.
He was bailed to appear in Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on February 27.
Prior to his arrest, on November 20 police were called to a Thomastown liquor store on Mahoneys Road.
A 26-year-old man from Truganina was arrested and charged with 68 offences including the theft of $76,000 worth of alcohol.
Concurrently, a vehicle of interest in relation to the ongoing thefts was intercepted as well.
A 30-year-old man behind the wheel allegedly tested positive for methylamphetamine.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 40 bottles of alcohol as well as two shopping baskets from a liquor store.
Police will allege the driver, from Truganina, is one of the leaders of the syndicate.
He will be charged on summons with 23 offences including the theft of more than $18,000 worth of alcohol.
Three of his passengers were also arrested.
It will be alleged the 40 bottles of alcohol found in the vehicle had been stolen from liquor stores in Doveton and Rowville.
