Police dismantle alleged motorbike theft syndicate

Ten people have been charged as police investigate a syndicate of alleged motorbike thieves targeting the CBD and neighbouring suburbs.

Police allege at least 30 motorbikes and motor scooters had been stolen since January with a combined value of more than $150,000.

Suburbs targeted included the CBD, Carlton, Docklands, Southbank, and North Melbourne.

Police will allege the culprits travelled to these suburbs in groups on stolen motorbikes and often with pillion passengers on the back.

“They would then steal further bikes and ride them back to the northern suburbs,” a police spokesperson said.

It’s also alleged they engaged in dangerous and high-risk riding including performing “monos”, also known as a wheelie, and riding on footpaths.

Detectives from Melbourne’s Divisional Response Unit on May 24 executed 10 warrants across Melbourne’s north and seized three allegedly stolen motorbikes worth about $20,000.

Police also seized an allegedly stolen gold Holden, a sword, knuckledusters, a gel blaster, ammunition, and cannabis at a Dallas property.

During the raids, police arrested seven men aged 18 to 27. All were bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 1.

Charges included theft of motor vehicle, conduct endangering serious injury, recruit a child to engage in criminal activity, failing to stop on police direction, unlicensed driving, possessing a prohibited weapon, possessing an imitation firearm, possessing ammunition, and possessing cannabis.

Two boys aged 15 and 17 were charged on summons and will appear before a children’s court at a later date.

On May 25, police arrested a 19-year-old Broadmeadows man and charged him with theft of motor vehicle, two counts of conduct endangering serious injury, unlicensed driving and possessing a prohibited weapon.

He was bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 1.

Detectives investigating the alleged syndicate have released CCTV vision of two males in the hope they can assist with their enquiries.

The first male, pictured in Carlton about 11.30pm on January 30, is believed to be aged between 18 and 25, with a slim build, and was wearing black and white striped tracksuit pants, a black hooded jumper and black runners.

The second male, pictured in Southbank just before 3am on 30 March, is believed to be aged between 18 and 25, with a slim build, and was wearing all black clothing.

North West Metro Division One Investigation and Response Detective Acting Inspector Paul Topham said the allegedly stolen motorbikes were also used to ride dangerously across the northern suburbs, putting other road users at risk on multiple occasions.

“We won’t tolerate this kind of behaviour and will continue to investigate until we can bring everyone involved before the courts,” he said.

“Not only does vehicle theft impact people’s sense of safety but it also takes away victims’ mode of transport which is incredibly frustrating.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.