CHRISTMAS CRIME SPREE: Accused Thief Wreaks Havoc Across Melbourne, Allegedly Committing Over 30 Heinous Crimes in 24 Hours
- A 49-year-old man from Altona Meadows is facing a staggering 30-plus charges for a string of brazen burglaries and car thefts across Melbourne on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
- The alleged crime spree saw the suspect target multiple businesses, including a design studio, furniture stores, and restaurants, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.
- The man was finally caught at a St Albans pub on Boxing Day, with police seizing stolen goods and a vehicle from the car park.
In a shocking display of audacity, the 49-year-old accused thief allegedly embarked on a one-man crime wave across Melbourne, committing over 30 heinous crimes in a mere 24 hours.
According to police, the suspect’s rampage began on Christmas Day, when he allegedly broke into a design studio in Richmond around 7pm, making off with valuables. Just hours later, he struck again, stealing a vehicle from a nearby furniture business.
The following morning, the accused thief drove to Melbourne’s northwest, where he allegedly broke into a restaurant in Deer Park at 5.45am, before targeting an indoor furniture business in Ravenhall and two eateries in the same suburb.
“We were shocked and horrified by the scale of the crimes,” said a local business owner, who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s a miracle no one was hurt.”
The suspect’s luck finally ran out at 1pm on Boxing Day, when he was apprehended at a pub in St Albans. Police found the stolen vehicle in the car park, along with items allegedly stolen during the burglaries.
The 49-year-old has been charged with a slew of offences, including burglary, theft, and criminal damage. He is expected to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.
In a separate incident, a 39-year-old man was arrested at a Canberra shopping mall on Boxing Day, allegedly carrying a 3D-printed handgun. He has been charged with unauthorised possession of a prohibited firearm.
Meanwhile, Australian Border Force investigators arrested a woman at Sydney airport, accusing her of attempting to smuggle over $16 million worth of amphetamines into the country. The drugs were allegedly hidden in vacuum-sealed bags labelled as “tea”.