Alleged Holden V8 rebirthing operation busted in Melbourne

A search warrant was carried out at a home in Narre Warren in the city’s south-east on Wednesday.

A 30-year-old Newborough man was charged with 43 offences, including handling stolen goods, and stealing motor vehicles.

He was remanded in custody and will appear in court on July 3.

Investigators also seized a stolen Holden VF SS, methylamphetamine, about 20 sets of vehicle keys linked to a burglary, multiple sets of stolen number plates, multiple diagnostic tools valued at more than $50,000, and multiple IDs believed to have been stolen from inside motor vehicles.

The Narre Warren raid followed a warrant that was executed at a Darlimurla address on Wednesday, 15 May.

Two previously stolen Holdens – an SSV Redline ute and a Clubsport – were seized.

Officers also seized a vehicle fitted with a stolen SSV Walkinshaw sedan interior, front and rear bumpers from stolen vehicles, an engine from a six-litre V8 Holden, stolen number plates and a surveillance device sweeper.

The two stolen vehicles had their window vehicle identification numbers (VINs) replaced, stamped floor VINs cut out and replaced, electronic control units replaced and engine numbers ground off.

Police will allege those involved were rebirthing and selling stolen Holdens, specifically Holden Special Vehicles (HSVs).

“Rebirthed vehicles can be a major safety threat to unwitting buyers – often the rebirthing process is not carried out by a qualified mechanic, meaning that the car could have serious issues which can result in an accident,” Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald said.

“Not to mention the use of the stolen vehicles in the commission of other serious crimes and allowing offenders to move around more easily.

The investigation is ongoing.