A major Hume police operation has led to more than 43 arrests and the recovery of 12 stolen cars over four nights of intensive patrols.
Operation Nighthawk ran between August 31 and September 3 and brought together local police, detectives, Highway Patrol officers, the Dog Squad and the Air Wing to target stolen cars and dangerous driving across Broadmeadows, Craigieburn and other surrounding suburbs.
The highly dynamic operation uncovered a firearm, stolen property, and four key reprogramming devices believed to have been used by alleged offenders to steal high-end vehicles in aggravated burglaries.
Police on October 2 said 75 charges were laid as part of the blitz, with a high number of arrests made as a result.
A 33-year-old Roxburgh Park man was arrested after allegedly failing to stop for police in a stolen Ford Ranger on Monday, September 1.
Police said officers were forced to ram the vehicle in Greenvale after tracking it through multiple suburbs before allegedly finding a firearm and various stolen items upon search of the vehicle.
A 31-year-old Mickleham man, a 30-year-old Meadow Heights man and a 31-year-old Sunshine West woman were all arrested the following night after allegedly driving a stolen Jeep Cherokee at speeds of up to 200km/h along the Western Ring Road.
The group were nabbed after being tracked by Air Wing with the assistance of the Dog Squad.
Other incidents included the arrest of a 32-year-old Coolaroo man allegedly driving a stolen Ford Maverick through Broadmeadows Valley Park, and a 21-year-old Dandenong man allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen BMW who was brought to a halt with the use of stop sticks in Keilor East.
Hume Local Area Commander inspector Olivia Freeman said the operation sent a strong message to offenders.
“This was a huge success for police and the entire Hume community, with more than 40 people arrested for serious offences and 12 stolen cars retrieved,” she said.
“These arrests also highlight how dynamic these situations can be for police and show the lengths offenders are willing to go to avoid apprehension.”
Police said Operation Nighthawk will continue to run sporadically around the area.
