- Published:
- Thursday 5 March 2026 at 12:45 pm
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 15 November 2025 and 12 January.
It is alleged thousands of dollars of equipment and property were damaged and stolen.
The burglaries took place in Narbethong, Buxton, Marysville, Taggerty, Devils River, Rubicon, Kinglake and Maintongoon, Chirnside Park, Healesville, Woori Yallock, and Launching Place.
One theft of particular note was of a $20,000 generator at Mount Gordon which ensures that local radio can transmit emergency information during power outages.
This theft occurred just days before the fire in Longwood.
Alexandra and Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested five men between 3 December 2025 and 10 February this year after executing several search warrants.
A 24-year-old Yellingbo man was charged with 35 offences including burglary, theft, handle stolen goods and traffick commercial quantity methylamphetamine.
He was bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 26 March.
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 handle stolen goods, possess drug of dependence, and theft.
He was bailed to appear at the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on 30 April.
A 29-year-old Healesville man was charged with possess methylamphetamine, possess prohibited weapon, criminal damage, and theft.
He was bailed to appear at the Mansfield Magistrates’ Court on 1 of April.
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.
Quotes attributable to Detective Sergeant Flyn Loughlin:
“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.
"Anyone with information or anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, with dashcam/CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au”
Leading Senior Constable Jody Clayton
Media Unit
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