Victoria Police remain on the hunt for a group of brazen thieves who stole 45 new vehicles from a car yard in Port Melbourne over the weekend.

    Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the thefts, which all occurred at the Salmon Street facility between 3pm Sunday 20 October and approximately 6.30am Monday 21 October.

    All the stolen vehicles were brand new and unregistered, with many still wearing protective plastic film.

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    It’s common practice for cars to be stored in open holding lots upon arrival in Australia, fresh off the boat from overseas.

    A vehicle theft of this scale is unprecedented, with dozens of vehicles stolen across a 15-hour period.

    CCTV images released by Victoria Police show the alleged thieves driving out of the packed holding yard in a Mercedes-Benz van and Skoda SUVs, with an older Toyota LandCruiser Prado also involved in the heist.

    A woman wearing a black hoodie and tracksuit pants is seen reaching into the dark-coloured Toyota.

    Three of the stolen vehicles have since been recovered and a 42-year-old Prahran woman was arrested in Broadmeadows yesterday, however 42 vehicles are yet to be found.

    Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report here.

    Josh Nevett

    Josh Nevett is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Josh studied journalism at The University of Melbourne and has a passion for performance cars, especially those of the 2000s. Away from the office you will either find him on the cricket field or at the MCG cheering on his beloved Melbourne Demons.

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