Two Vic men arrested over $12K fuel heist

Two men have been nabbed over the theft of more than $12,000 worth of petrol across Melbourne.

Police found more than 800 litres of petrol, a hydroponic cannabis set-up and weapons at a Melton address during raids on three properties in the western suburbs early on Wednesday.

A Melton man, 32, and a Laverton man, 34, were arrested over the thefts, which date back to July 2013.

They are expected to be charged later on Wednesday.

Petrol was found stored in gallon drums at the Melton property and cannabis, other drugs, cars and trailers were also seized.

The Australasian Association of Convenience Stores says it wants petrol theft punishable by heavy fines and loss of demerit points, saying it costs convenience stores more than $30 million in lost revenue annually.