Three men have been charged this afternoon by Armed Crime Squad following their arrest in relation to a series of western Victorian burglaries and thefts of automatic teller machines (ATM’s).
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A 34-year-old man from Wendouree has been charged with six counts of burglary, two counts of theft, eight counts of criminal damage, five counts of attempted theft, prohibited person possess firearm, in relation to the seizure of in excess of 20 firearms, cultivate cannabis, theft from motor vehicle and other traffic related offences.
A 38-year-old from Haddon and a 41-year-old from Brown Hill have been charged with six counts of burglary, two counts of theft, eight counts of criminal damage, five counts of attempted theft and attempted burglary.
A 29-year-old Ballarat woman was also arrested and has been released. It is expected she will be charged on summons with possessing the proceeds of crime.
The charges follow the trio’s alleged involvement in targeting ATMs with either heavy equipment vehicles, used to crash through street shop fronts, or equipment used to force entry to premises over the past four months.
The three men have been remanded to appear at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.
It has not been confirmed whether these charges are in relation to the recent Tongala and Moama ATM thefts.
More to come following tomorrow's court appearance.
