Raid recovers stolen loot

Police find Harley-Davidson that was taken in 2011

A TREASURE trove of stolen property worth more than $100,000 has been uncovered by Geelong and Bellarine police following a St Leonards sting.

Police swooped on a Ward St property on Wednesday afternoon following a series of thefts from Bellarine building sites.

Acting Sergeant Gareth Rowe said two Holden sedans, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle stolen in 2011 and a Yamaha dirt bike were among items found at the home.

“Total estimated value of stolen property recovered would exceed $100,000, including the motor vehicles,” Sgt Rowe said.

He said a Harley-Davidson stolen from Sunbury in Melbourne’s northwest in 2011; a Holden Cruze, stolen from South Geelong on April 1, and a Holden Commodore, stolen from Geelong West on July 2, were among the loot found at the Ward St home.

The St Leonards sting comes after four burglaries at St Leonards building sites during which scaffolding, paint, building supplies and a lawnmower were stolen.

Sgt Rowe said a Murradoc Rd building site was hit on October 8 and 9, while a construction site on Bluff Rd was burgled on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Two trailers with serial numbers removed and repainted found at the property were also believed to be stolen, Sgt Rowe said.

He said police believed tools and building materials, including fittings, found at the home were also stolen from Greater Geelong building sites.

Sgt Rowe said members of the High Volume Crime team would continue investigations into the thefts.

“A 31-year-old female from the St Leonards area was arrested at the scene. She was released pending further inquiries,” he said.

Police say it is likely further arrests will be made in relation to the matter.

They are appealing for anyone with any information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.