Community
1 August, 2024
Coordinated operation nabs alleged burglars
UPDATE: Charges have been laid after last week's burglary in Mortlake, following a series of coordinated raids which involved 34 police from across the south west.
Warrnambool Police Senior Sergeant Bill Caldow said two men were arrested in relation to last week’s alleged burglary of Scotts Betta Electrical in Mortlake in the early hours of last Friday morning.
Police allege a white Ford Mondeo stolen from Terang during last Thursday, July 25 or early Friday, July 26 was used in the robbery.
“At approximately 1.15am on Friday, July 26 a burglary and theft was committed on Scott’s Betta Electrical Retravision,” Snr Sgt Caldow said.
“Electrical goods and mobile telephones were stolen.
“At about 2.40am that day the Mondeo was found on fire at the intersection of Harneys Road and Occupation Lane Garvoc.
“Warrnambool Divisional Response Unit and Criminal Investigation Units have an ongoing investigation into the matter.”
On Wednesday police launched Operation Dorrigo, which saw police across the south west execute a series of raids in the region– resulting in the arrests of three men.
Members from Portland Criminal Investigation Unit also executed a search warrant in Portland.
“34 police members were deployed across the four warrants,” Snr Sgt Caldow said.
Snr Sgt Caldow said the 25-year-old Terang man was charged with theft of a motor vehicle, burglary and theft, two-counts of criminal damage, arson and trafficking/possession of cannabis.
“Stolen property, clothing and 370 grams of cannabis were located, and the man was bailed with an overnight curfew,” he said.
“A 29-year-old Terang man was also charged with theft of a motor, burglary and theft, arson, two-counts of criminal damage, handling stolen goods, driving offences, resisting and possession of meth and cannabis.
“The man was charged and bailed with a curfew.
“Police recovered 12 stolen phones from the burglary, and small amounts of cannabis and meth among property located at the premises.
“A firearm prohibition order was also served.”
Further charges were also laid against another man, a 32-year-old from Glenormiston South, however the nature of his alleged offending was unrelated to the burglary and theft offending.
“He was charged with two counts of possession of cannabis and possession of steroids,” Snr Sgt Caldow said.
“The man was charged and bailed.”
Snr Sgt Caldowsaid the search warrants were generated as a result of information from members of the public.
“We are seeking further information around the offending,” he said.
“Anyone who has been offered stolen mobile telephones or electrical goods, or saw the Mondeo or suspicious activity at the times in question, is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 1800333000 or Warrnambool Crimes Investigation Unit on 55601124.
“Police in the south west are always seeking information from the public in relation to offending and, as seen yesterday, will act on that offending.”
PREVIOUSLY: Warrnambool Police Senior Constable Sam Burns said police were currently investigating a series of alleged crimes which were believed to be linked to the Dunlop Street burglary.
“This incident occurred at about 1.15am on Friday morning (July 26),” she said.
“Two unknown offenders, who we believe to be males, have broken the front door of the store and gained access.
“They were completely covered, head to toe, with masks and gloves so we don’t know their faces.
“They have taken some phones and a DVD player, with a total value of around $3000.”
Snr Const Burns the duo allegedly had used a stolen car in the said process of committing the burglary.
“The vehicle involved in the burglary was spotted on CCTV, which was a vehicle we believe was stolen in the Terang area,” she said.
“It was later observed by a member of the public engulfed in flames in Garvoc.
“So, we believe in a series of offending the car was stolen from Terang, taken to Mortlake for the burglary, and then burned out in Garvoc.”
Snr Const Burns called on anyone with information to get in contact with Victoria Police.
“We’re looking for any information which might help with an arrest,” she said.
“If anybody knows anything, saw anything suspicious or has CCTV or dash cam footage please contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or the Warrnambool police station Crime Investigation Unit on 5560 1333.”