Taskforce to shutdown serious crime in Melbourne's north

Photo: heraldsun.com.au

The North West Metro Division 5 Serious Crime Taskforce, established this month, services the local government areas of Darebin, Whittlesea, Banyule and Nillumbik and is focused on proactively disrupting crimes such as armed robberies, home invasions and firearm related crimes.

One of the taskforce’s first assignments was to investigate an alleged series of armed robberies in the Whittlesea and Darebin region.

On 22 June, taskforce detectives arrested three men and executed warrants at properties in Epping, Thomastown and Lalor.

The three men were each charged with numerous offences including armed robbery, attempted armed robbery, attempted aggravated car jacking, thefts and deceptions.

A 22-year-old Epping man, 20-year-old Epping man and 22-year-old Thomastown man were remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 15 September.

Superintendent Tim Hansen said the taskforce’s efforts would complement the diligent and ongoing work by local and state level investigators to put serious and violent offenders behind bars.

“This new team of experienced detectives is already showing positive results and I have no doubt they will help reduce the harm caused by serious criminals in our community,” he said.

“The intelligence gathered by the taskforce will be shared among local and state-wide police which will generate benefits for police across Victoria.”

Supt Hansen said police would continue to strategically deploy police resources across the northern suburbs of Melbourne to tackle crime.

“Residents can be assured police have no tolerance for anyone seeking to bring fear or violence into our community,” he said.