A residential address in Narre Warren was found to be home to a Holden V8 rebirthing racket, after a search warrant was executed on Wednesday 5 June.
Detectives from the Vehicle Crime Squad charged a 30-year-old Newborough man on Thursday 6 June with over 43 offences including handling stolen goods, theft of motor vehicle, theft from a motor vehicle, theft and possessing drug of dependence.
Vehicle Crime Squad detective inspector Julie Macdonald said that “rebirthed vehicles can be a major safety threat to unwitting buyers”.
“Often the rebirthing process is not carried out by a qualified mechanic, meaning that the car could have serious issues which can result in an accident.
“Not to mention the use of stolen vehicles in the commission of other serious crimes and allowing offenders to move around more easily,” she said.
With assistance from the Illicit Firearms Squad and Fugitive Squad, authorities seized three previously stolen Holden Special Vehicles, drugs, and stolen IDs and car parts following an investigation.
A stolen Holden VF SS, methylamphetamine, approximately 20 sets of vehicle keys linked to a burglary, multiple sets of stolen number plates, multiple diagnostic tools valued at over $50,000, and multiple victim IDs believed to have been stolen from inside motor vehicles from the address were found at the home.
The suspect was remanded to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrate’s Court on 3 July.
“The Vehicle Crime Squad will continue to target those contributing to organised motor vehicle crime in Victoria and shit down any illegal activity of this nature,” Ms Macdonald said.
A warrant was previously executed at a Darlimurla address on Wednesday 15 May, with assistance from the illicit firearms Squad and Morwell Divisional Response Unit.
There, two previously stolen Holdens – an SSV Redline utility and a Clubsport – were found, as well as a vehicle fitted with stolen SSV Walkinshaw sedan interiors, front and rear bumpers from stolen vehicles, an engine from a six litre V8 Holden, stolen number plates and a surveillance device sweeper.
The two stolen vehicles had their window VINs replaced, stamped floor VINs cut out and replaced, their electronic control units replaced and engine numbers grounded off.
Police will allege that those involved were rebirthing and selling stolen Holden vehicles, specifically Holden Special Vehicles; the investigation remains ongoing.
“We’d also invited anyone with information about this kind of illegal activity to please contact Crime Stoppers – it can be done anonymously, and we’ll continue to act on these reports,” Ms Macdonald said.
Anyone with information on vehicle rebirthing is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 33 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
