Police disrupt organised crime links to youths gangs

Police have arrested 26 people in a bid to disrupt connections between youth gangs and organised crime.

This comes as police determined young offenders had been carrying out crimes, including robberies and car thefts, on behalf of organised crime groups.

Arrests were made in connection to burglaries, car thefts, affray and firearm offences between October 2 to October 5.

A sawn-off bolt-action rifle, three longarm imitation firearms and five handgun imitation firearms were seized during the searches.

Drugs including MDMA, methylamphetamine, cannabis and steroids were also seized.

"This work is having an impact.

"Since Alliance was formed in September 2020, we have reduced the number of known youth gang members in Victoria from 747 to 598," Victoria Police inspector Andrew McKee said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"However, a core group of recidivist offenders, including 84 gang members who police have arrested more than ten times over the past year, remain the ongoing challenge and focus for Operation Alliance.

"These young people have shown a continual disregard for the rest of the community and we will continue to have no hesitation in holding them accountable."

Anyone with information about illicit firearms or gang-related crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to submit at confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au