Crime Crackdown Chaos: 37 Arrests, 14 Stolen Cars Recovered in Wild Melbourne Blitz
- Dramatic scenes unfolded as alleged repeat offenders desperately tried to evade capture, scaling fences and rooftops in a bid for freedom
- Terrifying high-speed chases, stolen cars, and makeshift disguises – the brazen criminals thought they could outsmart police, but not on these streets
- More than 170 charges laid against the accused, with detectives relieved to get “these guys off the streets” and link evidence to other crimes in the area
In a stunning display of law enforcement might, Victoria Police launched a four-day operation to tackle allegations of repeat offending across Melbourne’s west, leaving 37 people behind bars and 14 stolen cars recovered.
From November 26 to 29, Operation Momentum swept through Brimbank and Melton, catching criminals off guard and pushing them to desperate measures. One night, 7NEWS was there to witness the action firsthand, and the scenes were nothing short of breathtaking.
In one heart-stopping incident, two alleged offenders took a wild detour through Burnside Reserve, stumbling through a creek and ditching an allegedly stolen Nissan Navara that had been spotted speeding on the wrong side of the road. Both were quickly caught and, when questioned, denied fleeing from police – with one claiming he was simply “doing a fitness course out in the creek down there.”
Less than an hour later, a high-speed chase came to a dramatic end at a Melton West home, where officers uncovered a stash of multiple knives, knuckle dusters, and drugs, including cannabis and ice, alongside an assortment of costume masks. “It’s good to get them off the streets,” Detective Sergeant Tom Miles said. “There’s some masks and things as well, so hopefully, we’ll be able to link those masks to some other offending occurring in the area.”
The police air wing played a crucial role throughout the night, helping ground units track yet another stolen car. After stop sticks were successfully deployed, three teenagers scattered from the vehicle – only to be caught with jerry cans full of fuel, balaclavas, and weapons, allegedly planning to firebomb a business.
“The offenders don’t really have a chance when the air wing is overhead,” Miles said. “Once they’re on camera, once they’re out looking for them, it makes it very easy for our job.”
The operation’s success was undeniable, with more than 170 charges laid across the four days. And while the numbers may seem staggering, Miles knows that it’s not about the number of offenders – it’s about the same individuals continuing to re-offend. “That’s a concern to us, like it is the community,” he said.
