Police arrest man after allegedly smashing dozens of cars

A 33-year-old man has been arrested and charged in Melbourne after allegedly damaging approximately 40 cars.

Victoria Police said the suspect targeted windows, mirrors and tyres of “at least 39 vehicles” around the inner-city suburbs of Brunswick West and Moonee Ponds – both northern suburbs approximately within seven kilometres of Melbourne – in the early hours of 9 January 2024.

Police reportedly executed a search warrant at a known address in Brunswick a few days later before returning to the home on 15 January 2024 where officers arrested the man.

He has been charged with 39 offences including criminal damage and committing an offence while on bail.

Victoria Police said he appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 15 January 2024 and is expected to reappear in court on 16 January 2024.

While the matter is now before the courts, under the Victorian Crimes Act any person found to have unlawfully damaged a person's property could face a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.

The Victorian Bail Act states any accused person on bail found to have committed an "indictable offence" – such as criminal damage – could face a maximum penalty of three months imprisonment and a fine of $5769.