Armed cops in Sunday swoop

HEAVILY- ARMED police swarmed homes in Whittington, Rippleside and Hamlyn Heights in targeted weekend raids that led to the arrest of six men.

Geelong Criminal Investigation Unit Inspector Paul Edebone said local detectives and police from the Special Operations Group raided homes in Church St, Bay St and Alouette Ct on Sunday afternoon following a co-ordinated investigation by police.

Shane Bausch jnr and Christian Menna faced court yesterday after being arrested at the Alouette Ct property.

Neither men were brought up from the cells for the short hearing at Geelong Magistrates’ Court.

Their lawyers made no application for bail on their clients’ behalf.

Mr Bausch was charged with a string of theft related offences, including theft of a motor vehicle. Magistrate Ann McGarvie was told the accused was injured after a police dog bit him during the arrest.

In a separate hearing, the court heard Mr Menna, who was charged over an outstanding warrant, had also sustained injuries during his arrest and had possible broken ribs.

Inspector Edebone said a third man, also arrested at the Whittington address, will appear at court charged with theft offences in coming days.

A man arrested at a Rippleside was charged with drug offences while two men arrested at a Hamlyn Heights home were charged with theft offences.

Police seized a number of allegedly stolen items from the three properties, including a motor vehicle

Mr Bausch and Mr Menna were both remanded in custody to reappear at a later date.