Daily London
Detectives allege nine burglaries and attempted burglaries that targeted a variety of businesses across the state from last November to this month are linked.
Police say stolen tow trucks were used to break into the businesses, including those with ATMs fixed on the walls outside, resulting in more than $1 million in combined damage.
Restaurants, newsagencies, a grocery store, and other businesses were targeted in the alleged raids.
In total, four ATMs were stolen from Fairfield, Bentleigh East, Baxter, and Yinnar businesses.
The investigation is ongoing but so far, police have arrested two people.
A 34-year-old Drouin man was arrested last Friday and charged with 11 offences, including burglary and criminal damage.
He was remanded to appear before court on April 7.
A 31-year-old Dandenong man was arrested on Monday and charged with multiple offences, including burglary, vehicle theft, and criminal damage.
He was also remanded to appear in court on February 4.
Police have also seized seven allegedly stolen tow trucks, five of which investigators claim were left behind at scenes of the raids.
The investigation is ongoing and further arrests are expected.
