BREAKING NEWS: POLICE have arrested six people and recovered more than $30,000 worth of stolen property over the past week as part of an ongoing crime crackdown across Bass Coast and South Gippsland.
The arrests follow an alleged crime spree where several homes, businesses and cars were broken into across Bass Coast and South Gippsland this month. Police intelligence reveals more than 90 per cent of home and vehicle break-ins across the region this year have occurred when property was left unlocked.
"We have seen far too many break-ins occur due to unlocked homes and vehicles. Securing your property is crucial and we urge everyone to make this a priority particularly as we head into the busy summer months,” said Inspector Catherine Middleton, Bass Coast Local Area Commander.
“The emotional and financial toll for victims of a home burglary or car theft cannot be understated,"
"This is why police will continue to be relentless in targeting criminal behaviour in our community and ensure those responsible are brought before the courts."
Detectives from Bass Coast Crime Investigation Unit, with support from South Gippsland uniform and Bass Coast Highway Patrol, executed several search warrants last week following an extensive investigation.
• On Tuesday 12 November, police arrested a 15-year-old boy from South Gippsland, after he allegedly crashed a vehicle that was stolen during a home invasion earlier that day. He was charged with home invasion, three counts of burglary, two counts of aggravated burglary, three counts of theft of motor vehicle, reckless conduct, and expose emergency service worker to risk while driving. He was remanded to appear at a Children’s Court at a later date.
On Wednesday 13 November, police executed multiple search warrants in the South Gippsland and Bass Coast region resulting in the arrest of five people including:
• A 14-year-old boy from South Gippsland following two alleged commercial burglaries and a home invasion. He was charged with home invasion, two counts of burglary, two counts of theft, four counts of theft of motor vehicle, and obtain property by deception. He was remanded to appear at a Children’s Court at a later date.
• A 28-year-old South Gippsland man following alleged burglaries at a tobacco store in Forster and a school in Korumburra. He was charged with seven counts of burglary, theft of motor vehicle, and possess drug of dependence. He was bailed to appear at Korumburra Magistrates’ Court on 17 April 2025.
• A 22-year-old Korumburra woman was arrested who was wanted on warrant for a number of alleged car thefts. She was charged with three counts of motor vehicle theft, possess drug of dependence, and drive whilst disqualified. She was bailed to appear at Korumburra Magistrates’ Court on 6 February 2025.
• A 36-year-old woman and 47-year-old man from Nyora were arrested after being wanted on warrant. They were both bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 21 February 2025.
Police also recovered approximately $30,000 of stolen items during the search warrants including:
• Ten computers stolen from a school valued at $15,000
* Three iPad’s at $3000
• Cigarettes valued at $6000
• A defibrillator valued at $2000
• A guitar valued at $2000
• Golf equipment valued at $5000; and
• Cannabis, stolen credit cards and number plates.
Anyone with any CCTV footage or information about criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
