Frankston police have arrested 79 people and recovered about $1 million worth of stolen vehicles during a major crackdown on cloned and stolen numberplates.
The Frankston Crime Investigation Unit’s Targeted Enforcement Crew recovered 25 vehicles and seized about 32 pairs of cloned plates in less than four months.
Police found the plates at properties across Baxter, Carrum Downs, Dandenong, Frankston, Frankston North, Langwarrin and Lynbrook.
The recovered vehicles, which police believe were stolen from across Melbourne, have been returned to their owners. They included a Toyota LandCruiser worth about $200,000, an Audi A5, a Nissan Patrol and two Toyota Hiluxes valued at approximately $70,000 each.
Alleged Cloned Plate Operation Uncovered
Police established the specialist crew at the end of March to target offenders allegedly using false numberplates to conceal stolen vehicles and other criminal activity.
Investigators allege a 32-year-old Carrum Downs man manufactured high-quality cloned plates and sold them through an online ordering system.
Police charged him with offences including motor vehicle theft, making false documents, dealing with proceeds of crime, drug trafficking and firearm possession. He was remanded in custody.
In another case, detectives disabled an allegedly stolen Toyota Hilux in Carrum Downs on 1 June.
Police allege three people later arrived in a stolen Toyota Corolla fitted with false plates. Detectives arrested the group and reported finding three sets of allegedly stolen plates, drugs and a knife.
The three accused, aged 30, 33 and 40, face vehicle theft, drug, weapon and numberplate-related charges.
Driver Allegedly Fled Through Busy Intersection
Police also allege a disqualified driver sped through a red light and into oncoming traffic when officers attempted to intercept a vehicle displaying false plates in Frankston on 29 May.
Investigators later searched a Seaford property and reported finding the vehicle, false plates, 12 bottles of GHB, methylamphetamine and an imitation handgun.
A 31-year-old woman faces charges including reckless conduct endangering serious injury, displaying fraudulent plates, failing to stop for police and driving while disqualified.
Police say offenders commonly attach cloned plates to stolen vehicles matching the legitimate car’s make, model and colour.
Investigators have linked the practice to criminal activity including aggravated burglaries, firebombings, drive-by shootings and drug trafficking.
Frankston Investigation and Response Inspector Melissa Nixon said the operation had already made a significant impact on alleged criminal syndicates across Melbourne’s south-east.
Police urged people selling vehicles online to blur numberplates in photographs and install anti-theft screws, which are available free from police stations.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report through the Crime Stoppers Victoria website.
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