Ten people have been charged as police investigate an alleged motorcycle theft syndicate targeting the CBD and nearby suburbs.
Police allege at least 30 bikes and scooters have been stolen since January, with a total value of more than $150,000.
The suburbs targeted included the CBD, Carlton, Docklands, Southbank and North Melbourne.
Police allege that the perpetrators traveled to these suburbs in groups on stolen motorbikes with a passenger on the back.
“They would then steal further bikes and ride them back to the northern suburbs,” a police spokesperson said.
They are also alleged to have engaged in dangerous and high-risk horseback riding, including performing “things,” also known as wheelies, and riding on sidewalks.
Detectives from the City of Melbourne's Divisional Response Unit executed 10 warrants across Melbourne's north on May 24, seizing three allegedly stolen motorcycles worth approximately $20,000.
Police also seized a gold Holden, a sword, a knuckle duster, a gel blaster, ammunition and marijuana that were allegedly stolen from the Dallas property.
During the raid, police arrested seven men aged between 18 and 27, all of whom were released on bail to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on August 1.
Charges include theft of a motor vehicle, causing serious injury, solicitation of a child to commit a crime, failure to stop when directed by police, driving without a license, possession of a prohibited weapon, and possession of an imitation firearm. These include possession of ammunition, possession of ammunition, and possession of marijuana.
The two boys, aged 15 and 17, were charged with summonses and will appear in the Children's Court at a later date.
On May 25, police arrested a 19-year-old man from Broadmeadows and charged him with theft of a motor vehicle, two counts of conduct endangering serious bodily injury, driving without a license and possession of a prohibited weapon.
He was released on bail and appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on August 1.
Detectives investigating the alleged syndicate have released CCTV footage of the two men in the hope that they will be able to assist with inquiries.
The first man was photographed in Carlton on January 30 at around 11:30pm and is believed to be between 18 and 25 years old, with a slim build, wearing black and white striped jersey pants, black He was wearing a hooded jumper and black runners.
The second man was photographed on Southbank just before 3am on March 30, and is believed to be between 18 and 25 years old, with a thin build and wearing all black clothing.
Acting Inspector Paul Topham, of North West Metro's First Division Detective Response Unit, said the allegedly stolen bike was also used for dangerous journeys through the northern suburbs, repeatedly putting other road users at risk. said.
“We do not tolerate this type of behavior and will continue to investigate until we can bring all those involved to justice.”
“Vehicle theft not only affects people's sense of safety, it also deprives victims of transportation and is extremely frustrating.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
