A 44-year-old Framlingham man has been arrested in dramatic circumstances and charged with about 40 alleged offences relating to theft of 10 vehicles.
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Detective Sergeant Andrew Raven, of the Warrnambool police crime investigation unit, said the arrest was the culmination of an intensive four-month police investigation.
He said members of the Victoria Police critical response unit, Warrnambool detectives and uniform officers conducted a raid at a Framlingham address.
It's understood that 28 officers were involved in the operation to arrest the man on Wednesday afternoon, who still tried to flee but was arrested without incident.
The man has been interviewed and charged with 43 offences including burglary, theft of vehicles and a $30,000 jewellery heist.
He's also alleged to have stolen:
- a $20,000 Volkswagen Tiguan,
- a $20,000 BMW motorcycle,
- two Holden Commodore utes,
- a $16,000 Toyota Camry,
- a $20,000 Prada in Winchelsea,
- a $30,000 Hino tip truck, a $37,000 bobcat and a $6000 trailer, and
- two top-of-the-range bicycles worth $25,000 from Royal Bikes.
The burglaries include:
- $30,000 in jewellery from a Parker Street address on April 29,
- a lawn mower and gardening tools from a Howard Street property,
- an iPhone, laptop and keys to the Tiguan from Baudin Court,
- a wallet and jewellery worth $4000 from Golden Springs Court,
- theft from a vehicle of clothes, prescription medication and a bank card, which he then attempted to use, and
- a home invasion at Cherlin Drive which netted a motorcycle jacket and equipment.
A Holden ute stolen in early July was found torched and the man is accused of that arson.
Other charges include driving while disqualified, two counts of conduct endangering serious injury when he fled from police and driving in a dangerous manner, as well as possessing drugs and an imitation firearm.
Detective Sergeant Raven said an investigation was launched after offences were committed in May.
"It's very pleasing to have this individual in custody," he said.
"An intensive investigation has been ongoing for a couple of months.
"The alleged offending is extremely high impact. He's alleged to have caused a lot of harm in the community and it's pleasing to have him off the streets," he said.
The man is expected to appear in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court on Thursday afternoon for a bail/remand hearing.
He is already on bail and was due to appear in Warrnambool court on October 11.
Police are expected to vigorously oppose bail.
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