Trio arrested over car break-in spree

Youths charged after police raids

DETECTIVES have arrested three people in response to a recent spike in car break-ins across Armstrong Creek.

Detectives from the Geelong Tasking and Crime Intervention Taskforce raided two homes on Wednesday as part of a probe into a series of thefts from motor vehicles.

Three arrests were made as a result of the warrants.

Police arrested Jordan Bishop, a 19-year-old Armstrong Creek man, who was charged with 18 offences including theft from motor vehicle, attempted theft from motor vehicle, obtain property by deception and drug trafficking.

Tristian Hughes, 20, of Grovedale, was also arrested and charged with 16 offences including theft from motor vehicle and committing an indictable offence while on bail.

During a bail application for Mr Hughes on Thursday, the Geelong Magistrates’ Court heard seven cars were entered around Armstrong overnight on June 14.

Prosecutor Senior-Constable Craig Williams said more than $3000 worth of items were stolen from the vehicles, including a guitar, sunglasses and clothing.

When police searched Mr Hughes’ family home this week, they recovered a pair of RM Williams boots that were allegedly stolen from one of the cars.

Defence lawyer

Creek

Niamh

Harrington said some of the charges against her client would be disputed, meaning there would be a likely delay in the case being finalised.

She said Mr Hughes was unlikely to receive a jail sentence given his age and lack of a criminal record.

Magistrate John Lesser chose to grant bail with strict conditions that ban Mr Hughes from being in the vicinity of Armstrong Creek or leaving his home at night.

An 18-year-old Armstrong Creek man was also charged and bailed on numerous offences including handle stolen goods and firearms offences.

Each of three accused men will return to court on a later date.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Mullins said police believed the arrests would lead to a reduction in motor vehicle thefts across the region. But he warned motor vehicle owners to continue to lock their cars.

“Nearly all of these vehicles broken into were unlocked,” Sgt Mullins said.