Four men from the UK have been charged over the theft of half a million dollars in designer goods during home burglaries over four months.
Victoria Police alleges the group committed more than 20 burglaries across Melbourne, between April and July, after they entered Australia earlier in 2024.
Detectives believe the majority of burglaries targeted homes while residents were away, with the group allegedly using cleaning products to cover their tracks.
They also allegedly committed two home invasions and one aggravated burglary.
Police suspect the group stole more than $500,000 worth of property including designer jewellery, handbags and watches.
Six vehicles recovered by detectives totalled $190,000 and the group also reportedly took $7000 in cash.
Police searched five properties across Melbourne's northern suburbs on August 9 and the four foreign nationals, aged between 31 and 33, were charged with home invasion and burglary.
They were remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on November 6.
A 32-year-old woman was also arrested at a Coburg caravan park and charged with theft. She will appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on October 28.
“This is a clear message to anyone thinking they can break into homes without repercussions," Detective Senior Sergeant Daniel Brown said.
The investigation is ongoing and the police are looking into whether the group is linked to other unsolved burglaries.
