Blitz on crime results in 10 arrests

POLICE arrested 10 people in Geelong and seized several illicit firearms as part of an ongoing crackdown on serious offending across the municipality.

Over the past few weeks, detectives from the Geelong Crime Investigation Unit targeted individuals linked to several recent incidents, including armed robberies, burglaries, firearms offences and police rammings.

The arrests include:

• On August 1, detectives arrested a 26-year-old Corio man following an alleged ramming of a police vehicle on July 31. During the arrest, police also located and seized a firearm from his vehicle. He was charged with prohibited person possess firearm, and intentionally expose emergency worker to risk by driving. He was remanded to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court on October 22

• Police arrested a 33-year-old Norlane man and a 34-year-old Corio man following an alleged kidnapping on June 6. Both men were charged with kidnap, false imprisonment and threats to inflict harm. They were both remanded to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court on October 22

• On July 23, detectives executed a search warrant at a property in Bellbrae as part of an investigation into three alleged armed robberies. Police arrested a 26-year-old Bellbrae man who was charged with three counts of armed robbery. He was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court on October 8, and

• On Tuesday, July 30, police executed a search warrant in Norlane and located and seized a loaded firearm. A 38-year-old Corio man was arrested and charged with prohibited person possess firearm and burglary. He was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates Court on September 26.

“Geelong continues to be an exceptionally safe place for both residents and visitors, with crimes against the person and property and deception offences below pre-COVID levels,” Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Guthrie of the Geelong Crime Investigation Unit said.

“However when crimes do occur, our dedicated teams of detectives in Geelong are working around the clock to identify and hold individuals accountable for criminal activity.

“The proactive efforts of detectives this week should serve as a stern warning to anyone thinking about engaging in criminal activity. There is no hiding from police – you will be found and held to account.

“If you’re caught with an illegal firearm, you could end up spending years behind bars and away from your loved ones – it’s simply not worth it.”

Investigations remain ongoing, and police are encouraging the community to come forward if they have any information that could assist by phoning Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or heading to crimestoppersvic.com.au