By Alesha Capone
Police have arrested 10 people after executing warrants at properties across the west last week, as part of a major operation targeting graffiti vandals.
More than 700 charges were laid against the alleged offenders, including a 22-year-old Truganina man who was charged with 295 counts of graffiti-related offences including conduct endangering life, criminal damage, burglary, possess with the intent to damage and trespass.
A 21-year-old Yarraville man was charged with 121 counts of graffiti-related offences including conduct endangering life, criminal damage, burglary, possess with the intent to damage and trespass.
Another five people – a 23-year-old Truganina man, a 20-year-old Altona man, a 20-year-old South Kingsville man, a 30-year-old Seaford man and a 31-year-old West Footscray man – were charged with more than 300 of counts of graffiti-related offences collectively including criminal damage, possess with the intent to damage and trespass.
All of those arrested were bailed to appear in court at a later date.
Police said a 30-year-old Tarneit man, a 20-year-old Altona Meadows man and a 46-year-old South Kingsville woman would also be charged on summons.
Police made the arrests early last Tuesday morning, while carrying out warrants at properties in Truganina, Yarraville, Altona, Tarneit, Seaford, Brunswick and West Footscray, as part of an operation codenamed Samurai. A number of items were seized from the properties including two cars, cannabis plants, quantities of ecstasy and ice, cash, laptops, phones, memory cards and hard drives.
Police also seized allegedly stolen goods valued at more than $100,000. Arson and explosives experts attended a property in Yarraville after explosive devices were allegedly located inside a vehicle.
Acting Superintendent Andrew Gustke said the results showed Victoria Police’s dedication to holding graffiti vandals to account.
“We’ve seen horrific injuries and even deaths as a result of the risky behaviour people engage it to commit these offences so we take it extremely seriously,” he said.
Anyone with information a is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
