Six charged after $320k in alcohol allegedly stolen
Six people have been charged after $320,000 worth of alcohol was stolen from liquor stores across Melbourne.
Police allege the men were working as part of a syndicate, where some members would steal from liquor stores while others waited in getaway cars outside.
The allegedly stolen alcohol was sold for profit afterwards, police said.
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Six people have been charged after $320,000 worth of alcohol was stolen from liquor stores across Melbourne. AAP
The first arrest was made on November 20 when police were called to a liquor store on Mahoneys Road in Melbourne after being alerted to an alleged robbery at 7pm.
A 26-year-old man was arrested and charged with 68 offences, including the theft of $76,000 worth of alcohol.
He will face Moorabbin Magistrates' Court on February 4.
At the same time as the arrest, police also intercepted a vehicle carrying four people, which they allege was linked to the robberies.
A 30-year-old driver allegedly tested positive for methylamphetamine in a roadside drug test.
Police then allegedly found 40 bottles of alcohol and two shopping baskets from the liquor store.
The alcohol was allegedly stolen from stores in Doveton and Rowville.
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The driver of the car is allegedly one of the syndicate leaders.
Three other men inside the vehicle included a 39-year-old man, 30-year-old man and 29-year-old man.
The driver will be charged on a summons with 23 offences, including the theft of over $18,000 worth of alcohol.
The 39-year-old man is another alleged leader of the group and will be charged with 22 offences, including the theft of more than $95,000 worth of alcohol.
He has been remanded in custody and will appear in Heidelberg Magistrates' Court on December 4.
The 30-year-old passenger will be charged with 30 offences including the theft of $42,000 worth of alcohol.
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He will appear in Sunshine Magistrates Court on February 27, 2025.
The 29-year-old will be charged with 17 offences including the theft of nearly $40,000 worth of alcohol.
He was granted bail and will appear in Sunshine Magistrates' Court on February 24, 2025.
A sixth member of the group, a 23-year-old man, was arrested on November 22 and was charged with 36 offences, including the theft of $57,000 worth of alcohol.
He was granted bail and will appear in Sunshine Magistrates' Court on February 27, 2025.
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