Victoria Police has conducted a four-day crime blitz across Melbourne in a crackdown on alleged repeat offenders.
A total of 37 people were arrested and 14 stolen cars recovered during Operation Momentum across Brimbank and Melton, in Melbourne’s west, from November 26 to 29.
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7NEWS was invited along for one night of the operation, witnessing dramatic scenes as alleged offenders ran from stolen cars, scaled fences and fumbled across rooftops in desperate attempts to evade capture.
In one incident, two alleged offenders bolted across Burnside Reserve and stumbled through a creek after dumping an allegedly stolen Nissan Navara that was spotted speeding on the wrong side of the road.
Both were quickly apprehended and denied fleeing from police when questioned.
“(I was) just doing a fitness course out in the creek down there,” one of the arrested men said.
“(My behaviour) is definitely unacceptable but desperate times. We all have our problems, don’t we?”
Less than an hour later, another high-speed chase ended at a Melton West home, where officers recovered multiple knives, knuckle dusters and drugs including cannabis and ice, along with a selection of costume masks.
One man arrested by police during the operation. Credit: 7NEWS
“It’s good to get them off the streets. There’s some masks and things as well so hopefully we’ll be able to link those masks to some other offending occurring in the area,” Detective Sergeant Tom Miles said.
The police air wing played a crucial role throughout the night, helping ground units track yet another stolen car.
After stop sticks were successfully deployed, three teenagers scattered from the vehicle.
Police allege the teens were planning to firebomb a business, having allegedly been found with jerry cans full of fuel, balaclavas and weapons inside their car.
“The offenders don’t really have a chance when the air wing overhead,” Miles said.
“Once they’re on camera, once they’re out looking for them, it makes it very easy for our job.”
Police arresting a man during a four-day blitz on crime. Credit: 7NEWS
The operation resulted in more than 170 charges being laid across the four days.
“It’s not necessarily a lot of offenders. It’s the same ones just continuing to re-offend,” Miles said.
“That’s a concern to us like it is the community,”
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