Five people have been charged following a police investigation into a series of alleged shop thefts and vehicle-related offences across Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs during the first three weeks of October 2026.

Cranbourne police executed a search warrant at a property on Lyall Street in Cranbourne on Wednesday, 21 October. Three men and two women were arrested and charged following the search, according to a report published on Thursday, 22 October.

Investigators had been examining more than 25 alleged thefts involving businesses and vehicles in Cranbourne, Clyde, Hampton Park and Narre Warren. Police estimate that more than $10,000 worth of goods was stolen during the incidents.

During the search, officers allegedly recovered televisions, electronic devices and lithium batteries believed to have been stolen from supermarkets across south-east Melbourne. Police also located a white Vespa scooter allegedly stolen from Cranbourne in January 2026. The scooter had reportedly been repainted black.

Officers also seized a substantial quantity of copper that had allegedly been stripped and prepared for sale. Police further reported finding substances believed to be gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), cannabis, cocaine and methylamphetamine. The substances will be subject to the relevant investigative and testing procedures.

The five accused face different charges based on their alleged involvement.

A 34-year-old Frankston man faces charges including five counts of theft, shop theft, theft from a motor vehicle, handling stolen goods and offences relating to bail. He was remanded to appear before Frankston Magistrates' Court on 22 October.

A 36-year-old Cranbourne man faces six theft charges, shop theft, multiple charges relating to handling stolen goods, resisting police and allegedly committing indictable offences while on bail. He was also remanded to court.

A 40-year-old Cranbourne man has been charged with five counts of theft, shop theft and possessing a drug of dependence. He was granted bail and is scheduled to appear before Frankston Magistrates' Court on 23 January 2027.

A 32-year-old Cranbourne woman faces four theft charges, alleged offences committed while on bail, shop theft and threatening to damage property. She was remanded to court on 22 October.

A 30-year-old Cranbourne woman faces charges involving handling allegedly stolen goods, committing indictable offences while on bail and breaching a bail condition. She was granted bail and is due to appear in court on 23 January 2027.

Sergeant Steve Williams of Cranbourne police said information from members of the public had helped officers investigate ongoing criminal activity associated with the address. Police encouraged residents to report suspicious activity and provide information that could assist investigations.

The investigation highlights the role of local police inquiries in connecting separate alleged thefts and recovering property believed to have been stolen. The seized electronics, scooter and copper may help investigators establish links between the suspected offences and determine whether further charges are warranted.

The case remains before the courts. The charges against all five individuals are allegations, and each accused person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.