Two men have been arrested following a spate of petrol thefts spanning the breadth of Melbourne, with offences dating back nearly a year.
Police arrested the two men in an early morning sting, following an intensive investigation into the series of petrol thefts, seizing 800 litres of petrol which was being stored in gallon drums at a Melton property.
Search warrants were executed by detectives from the Wyndham, Melton and Hobsons Bay Vehicle Crime Reduction Teams around 4am on Wednesday morning at three properties in the western suburbs.
Two properties were on Eyre Street, Melton and the third property was on Snowden Street in Laverton.
A 32-year-old Melton man and a 34-year-old Laverton man were arrested and are currently being interviewed by detectives.
A hydroponic cannabis set-up was also found at one of the Melton properties and externally grown cannabis, other drugs, cars, trailers and weapons were also seized.
The investigation has been running for about three months and police believe at least 48 incidents of petrol theft occurred at suburbs right across Melbourne, dating back to July 2013.
The amount of petrol stolen is valued at more than $12,000.
The men are expected to be charged later on Wednesday.
Anyone with further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au
