MARYSVILLE, VIC. — Alexandra Crime Investigation Unit and Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged five men following a series of burglaries, thefts and criminal damage incidents in the Eastern region of Victoria from November 15, 2025 and January 12, 2026.
Investigators will allege thousands of dollars of equipment and property were damaged and stolen.
The burglaries took place in Narbethong, Buxton, Marysville, Taggerty, Devils River, Rubicon, Kinglake, Maintongoon, Chirnside Park, Healesville, Woori Yallock, and Launching Place.
One theft of particular note was the theft of a $20,000 generator at Mount Gordon, which ensures that local radio (UGFM) can transmit emergency information during power outages.
This theft occurred just days before the bushfire in Longwood.
Alexandra and Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested five men between December 3, 2025 and February 10 this year after executing several search warrants.
A 24-year-old Yellingbo man was charged with 35 offences, including burglary, theft, handling stolen goods and trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine.
He was bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 26.
A 35-year-old Seville man and a 32-year-old man from Launching Place were both charged with burglary, theft and drug offences in January and were remanded into custody.
A 37-year-old Narbethong man was charged with handling stolen goods, possession of a drug of dependence, and theft.
He was bailed to appear at the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on April 30.
A 29-year-old Healesville man was charged with possessing methylamphetamine, possess prohibited weapon, criminal damage, and theft.
He was bailed to appear at the Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on April 1.
Various items of property, estimated at approximately $250,000, have been recovered and returned to their rightful owners.
The generator is one of the recovered items.
“This is a good example of the results of information sharing amongst detectives at two local Crime Investigation Units being Alexandra and Yarra Ranges.
“The investigation remains ongoing with multiple items of property that remain outstanding,” Detective Sergeant Flyn Loughlin said.
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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