Three Truganina men have been charged over their alleged involvement in the theft of more than $320,000 worth of alcohol from liquor stores across Melbourne.
Police were called to a Thomastown liquor store about 7pm on Wednesday, November 20, following an alert by staff.
A 26-year-old man from Truganina was arrested and charged with 68 offences including the theft of $76,000 worth of alcohol.
He is due to appear in Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on February 4.
It will be alleged the men were working as part of a syndicate where some would steal from stores while others waited in a vehicle outside.
Police said they also intercepted a vehicle of interest in relation to ongoing thefts in Mulgrave.
Police said the driver was a 30-year-old man from Truganina and that he allegedly tested positive for methamphetamine roadside.
Police will allege he was one of the leaders of the syndicate and said that he will be charged on summons with 23 offences including the theft of more than $18,000 worth of alcohol.
Among his passengers was a 29-year-old man from Truganina who police said was charged with 17 offences, including the theft of almost $40,000 worth of alcohol. He was bailed to appear in Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on February 24 2025.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 40 bottles of alcohol as well as two shopping baskets from a liquor store, according to police.
