Two men have been arrested as Victoria Police investigate a series of alleged ATM ram raids across the state, including incidents reported in Frankston and Baxter.
Police allege nine burglaries and attempted burglaries took place between November 2025 and January 2026, with stolen tow trucks used to smash into businesses and rip out ATMs fixed to exterior walls. Investigators say the alleged offending has caused more than $1 million in combined damage.
Alleged Frankston and Baxter incidents
According to police, the alleged offending includes:
- A restaurant on Heatherhill Road, Frankston, about 3am on 9 December 2025
- A newsagency on Baxter-Tooradin Road, Baxter, about 3.20am on 9 December 2025
Police say the broader investigation links incidents in Korumburra, Fairfield, Bentleigh East, Doveton, Glen Huntly, Collingwood and Yinnar. In total, four ATMs were allegedly stolen from businesses in Fairfield, Bentleigh East, Baxter and Yinnar.
Two men charged, court dates set
A 34-year-old man from Drouin was arrested last Friday and charged with 11 offences related to the Frankston and Baxter incidents, police say. The charges include two counts of burglary, two counts of motor vehicle theft, criminal damage, driving while disqualified and dealing with the proceeds of crime. He was remanded to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on 7 April 2026.
A 31-year-old man from Dandenong was arrested at Dandenong Police Station on Monday and charged in connection with the Collingwood incident. Police say he faces charges including burglary, three counts of motor vehicle theft and criminal damage. He was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 4 February 2026.
Tow trucks seized, investigation ongoing
Police have seized seven allegedly stolen tow trucks during the investigation, with detectives alleging five were abandoned at scenes of the alleged offences. Police say the investigation is active and further arrests are expected.
Police appeal for information
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Hannah Thompson, from Eastern Region Crime Squad, said the alleged offending can have serious impacts on local businesses.
“These kinds of incidents have devastating impacts on small business owners who are just trying to make a living.”
“Our work does not stop here, and we will continue investigating until every person involved is held to account.”
“Anyone with information – no matter how small – is urged to come forward to police.”
Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report online.
