Nine people have been arrested and five charged over 19 alleged burglaries in the past three weeks across central and south-west Victoria.
Key points:
- Five people have been charged after nine people were arrested following a spate of alleged burglaries
- Police say 19 alleged burglaries occurred this month in central and south-west Victoria
- Two Ballarat teenagers were among those questioned but were released
Detectives from the western region crime squad and Ballarat crime investigation unit executed a warrant for properties at Bald Hills and Daylesford this week.
They allegedly uncovered firearms and ammunition, three stolen vehicles, a "large amount" of stolen property, and drugs including methylamphetamine.
Three men and one woman, aged 22 to 27, were arrested and charged with multiple offences including burglary, theft, and weapons charges.
A fifth man from Ballarat was arrested and charged on Wednesday, after three occupants of an allegedly stolen car fled the scene, and were found nearby by police.
Police say a search of the car allegedly uncovered another firearm and ammunition.
The charges come after 19 alleged burglaries between July 1 and July 26 at Cressy, Inverleigh, Streatham, Lake Bolac, Chepstowe, Blowhard, Bald Hills, Creswick, Clarendon, Soldiers Hill, Miners Rest, Mount Prospect, Cape Clear, Pitfield, Smythesdale, Daylesford, Ballarat, Wendouree, and Meredith.
A 24-year-old Canadian man was among those charged with burglary and theft offences.
A 27-year-old man, a 17-year-old boy, and a 16-year-old girl, all from Ballarat, were arrested but released from custody pending further enquiries. A 22-year-old Bald Hills man was also questioned and released.
The five charged individuals are expected to appear in court at a later date.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.