ONE month after being arrested for a string of burglaries in Dandenong, a Narre Warren woman has been picked up again.
Detective Sergeant Dean Hayes, of Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit, said she was arrested on 25 July as part of Operation Townhouse and again on Tuesday 16 August at Dandenong Plaza over more home burglaries.
In addition to the original burglary charges, she now faces charges over four burglaries, five thefts, handling stolen goods, proceeds of crime and drug-related offences.
Operation Townhouse searched a house in Benga Avenue, Dandenong, on 25 July, arresting the two people over a string of more than 30 thefts.
The Narre Warren woman was charged with 19 burglaries, 19 thefts and other deception matters. A man was charged with 35 burglaries and other dishonesty offences.
Both are accused of breaching bail conditions and will face the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 3 October.
Det Sgt Hayes said police alleged the two stole jewellery, perfumes, alcohol and laptops during the burglary spree between mid-June and 25 July.
He said they targeted units in the Dandenong CBD and gained access by forcing the laundry door, kitchen window or sliding doors at the rear of the property.
Det Sgt Hayes said community response to a police plea to identify the stolen jewellery had been overwhelming.
Dandenong CUI was inundated with calls from residents trying to find stolen jewellery and almost 90 per cent of the stolen property had been returned.
But some jewellery was still unclaimed and Detective Senior Constable Jodie Stoll said the pieces were quite identifiable.
They include a baby bracelet inscribed with “Sonja (or Sorja) 26.2.2000”, a first Holy Communion pendant with a gold chain, a gold Royal Australian Regiment brooch and a small heart shaped signet ring with a purple stone.
In a separate arrest, police have charged a 40-year-old Dandenong man in relation to a string of burglaries with the same pattern, also in Dandenong CBD.
Det Sgt Hayes said the burglaries were similar but this man stole televisions rather than laptops and jewellery.
During a search of his home, police say they also discovered 35 cannabis plants hanging in the ceiling cavity.
The man was arrested on 10 August and charged with 20 burglaries, numerous thefts, proceeds of crime offences, as well as trafficking and possession of cannabis.
He was remanded in custody to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 21 October.
Det Sgt Hayes said it was important residents locked their properties securely and called police if they saw anything suspicious.
Anyone with information about the thefts or the unclaimed jewellery is asked to call Det Sen Const Stoll or Det Sgt Hayes at Dandenong CIU on 9767 7487.
– Nicole Williams
